D

o today's women still regard tall, dark and handsome men as the ideal catch? One women's group has shaken up the *perfect' image and instead desire men who reject discrimination, violence or harassment against women.

Nearly 300 men have signed a petition in the past four days promising to respect women in a public declaration led by women's advocate and Muslim cleric Husein Muhammad at a hotel in Jakarta on Friday.

The "Ideal Man" declaration, initiated by the Jurnal Perempuan Foundation, believes men should play a role in eradicating discrimination and violence toward women.

Policy makers and local leaders have also been asked to support women's causes by advocating budget allocations for activities that are gender exclusive or sensitive.

"We actually came up with the idea in 2000. At that time we conducted workshops and published a book," Jurnal Perempuan Foundation development manager Deedee Achriani said.

She said the foundation also launched a "Beautiful Declaration" (Men against Violence) during the annual Anti-Violence Against Women Day on Nov. 25, 2000.

Deedee said the movement was established because there was no male group promoting the issue at the time.

"Such a movement must be supported by men," said Lany Hariyanti from the United Nations Population Fund. She said positive changes toward women could start individually within the home.

"Men should start sharing responsibilities with women, such as doing house chores and taking care of their children. They should not think they are losing pride," she said.

Nur Iman Subono from the Democratic and Human Rights Institution (DEMOS) said involving men in eliminating discrimination against women was important because men dominate many of the most important roles in society and the home.

Meanwhile, Husein criticized fellow Muslims clerics who support polygamy.

"Polygamy is in line with slavery. Why has slavery been eradicated while polygamy has not? It is simply because their way of thinking is dated," he said.