In Focus

Cipayung – Equal Rights, Equal Opportunity: Progress for All was the theme for International Women’s Day 2010. “The theme reminds us what we have achieved so far regarding gender equality,” said Frieda Sinanu, CWS Program Manager in Jakarta office, in her speech.

Church World Service celebrated International Women’s Day on 10 March 2010 in the refugee center in Cipayung, Bogor. Gathered in the center were female, male and young refugees, members and leaders from the local community,, CWS’ staff and UNHCR staff.  Activities included a discussion on gender, food exhibition, movie screening and music performance . 

Rena and Lilis from Kalyanamitra, a non-profit organization that promotes women’s right, facilitated the discussion. Participants listed what can and cannot be changed between women and men to emphasize the cultural perspectives that can limit or promote the equal opportunity and progress for all between men and women, especially in family relationships and society.

Rena from Kalyanamitra invites participants to give their opinion on what can and cannot be changed between women and men.
(CWS Indonesia)

Refugees prepared dishes for the food exhibition which featured dishes from Somalia, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and Myanmar made.

An inspiring short movie about a women’s organization in Peru demonstrated how women are able to build their capacity and organize themselves to contribute to the society.

The commemoration concluded: “women and men should have equal rights and equal opportunity.” [IS/III/2010]

Four outstanding women representing Jakarta refugee community, Cipayung refugee community, Cipayung local community and social worker, were presented roses as a token of appreciation of their role in family and society
(CWS Indonesia)