Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection, Yohana Susana Yembise, declared the woman and child friendly area in the square of Srigading village, Sanden sub-district, Bantul regency on Friday (13/10). It was attended by Regent of Bantul, Drs. H. Suharsono, and initiator of river movement for women, Srikandi Sungai Indonesia, Prof. Dr. Suratman, M.Sc. The event was enthusiastically welcomed by the local residents.
Minister Yohana said she had not imagined to ever come to a village such as Srigading. “Because of women’s issues, we are here to gather with you all,” said the Minister.
She said Bantul was a great area for having a village that is woman and child friendly. Later she asked the women if they ever experienced violence and the chidlren if they experienced it at home or school.
“If you should experience a violence, report it immediately to the authorities, which is the police, don’t be scared,” said the Minister.
Yohana added that the Government had issued regulations on Child Law, Child Trafficking Law, and Child Sex Law. She expected that all women and children would report any act of violence they received at home. According to the Minister, this was not just about physical violence but also wife and child neglect. “Don’t stay silent, because that will sustain the violence. So, we have to break the chain of violence against women and children,” she reiterated.
Meanwhile, Regent of Bantul, Drs. H. Suharsono, appreciated the visit by the Minister and delegation. He will continue to make Bantul a place that is friendly towards women and children. “I hope the declaration of woman and child friendly village can accelerate the development in Bantul,” the Regent said.