Women's roles

Women's roles

From Warta Kota

Although women account for the more than half of the Indonesian population, conditions for them until now have been quite disconcerting as seen by their far below standard of living. Many women as well as their babies die during childbirth. Compared to women in other Southeast Asian countries, Indonesian women live under the most alarming conditions.

Therefore, it would be appropriate if a widely protective movement for women and children was started through the mass media as it could generate deep concern from the government, non- governmental organizations, journalists and educated social circles.

A group of journalists in cooperation with Unicef has promoted the cause of women and children. They have established the Forum Wartawan Penulis Peduli Wanita dan Anak (The Journalist Forum for Women and Children) which holds various scientific discussions. Hopefully, all parties can support its role.

In the efforts to build qualified future Indonesian generations, it's time Indonesian women were given more chances in the political, social and economic fields. It seems that the trend toward globalization now offers unlimited and unrestrained career opportunities for women.

All of us hope to be able to gain a new consciousness in respecting and appreciating women's roles so that Kartini's aspiration of emancipation lightens all the more in the middle of the reform era.

AIYUBSYAH

Jakarta