Women invited to offer prayers

JAKARTA (JP): Women of all creeds are invited to a gathering tonight to offer prayers for an end to the country's violence.

The interfaith congregation of women is organized by women's rights activists and will be held at the Nyi Ageng Serang Women's Building (Gedung Wanita), Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said Kav C 22, Kuningan, South Jakarta. The event will start at 7 p.m. and end at 9 p.m.

Violence here, particularly the May 13 and May 14 riots, has claimed women as its most vulnerable victim. "Rape, sexual harassment and violence experienced has created fear, and this is not easily erased in society," the invitation reads.

"The convocation will begin a series of event aimed at raising society's awareness of women's rights," Julia Suryakusuma told The Jakarta Post.

Poetry readings by playwrights Ratna Sarumpaet and Jajang C. Noer as well as other art performances will be part of the event.