Women protest against violence

SEMARANG: About 100 women representing 10 non-governmental organizations here rallied in front of the provincial legislature on Thursday to call for an end to widespread violence against women.

They carried posters and banners reading "Stop Militarism", "We Want Justice" and "Protect the Weak" as they staged a free- speech forum demanding laws against violence, domestic battery and protection for children and women laborers.

Among the participants were representatives of the Press Study Institute, Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation, Nahdlatul Ulama's Fatayat women's organization, Diponegoro University and activists of the Association of Indonesian Islamic Students. (har/edt)