Victims of violence celebrate Komnas Perempuan's anniversary with SBY

Several female victims of violence from various parts of the country gathered in Jakarta on Monday to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the National Commission for Women (Komnas Perempuan), together with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

The women are victims of violent conflicts in Aceh, Papua, Maluku, Poso, the May 1998 riots in Jakarta as well as Ahmadiyah followers who are targets of intimidation by fellow Muslims.

Also attending Komnas Perempuan’s anniversary were women activists from 14 countries in Asia, as well as a representative of the UN office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights in Geneva.

During the event, Antara news agency reported, Yudhoyono, accompanied by first lady Ani Yudhoyono, got reports about improvement of protection for women in the country as well as the challenges they face.

Komnas Perempuan chairperson Kamala Chandrakirana said that Yudhoyono's presence at the anniversary should encourage women in the country, especially victims of violence, to speak up so that they would be free from intimidation or even violence against them.