Women's Day marked by demo

SURABAYA: Hundreds of students celebrated Kartini Day (Indonesia's Women Day) on Wednesday by staging a demonstration outside the governor's office protesting violence against women.

The students, mostly women, came from various universities including the Teachers' Training Institute and Airlangga University. They distributed flowers to motorists, while waving posters which read, among other things: "Stop violence against women," "Women always become victims of politics," and "Women's Suffering."

In their speeches, the activists emphasized how Kartini Day, which commemorates the national heroine, has been used in a drive to ensure women are even less aware of their rights and potential. Various activities such as makeup application or cooking contests traditionally held on the day only ensure women are unaware of their rights in society, they said.

Similar demonstration took place in Semarang, Central Java, involving around 500 activists. (nur/har)