Progress and Challenges of Women’s Representation in Indonesian Parliament

Speakers:

Hon. Ledia Hanifa Amaliah
Member of DPR RI Commission on Religion, Social Affairs, and Women Empowerment from Prosperous Justice Party (PKS), Chief of Women Affairs from the Central Board of Prosperous Justice Party

Hon. Chairun Nisa
Vice Chairman of DPR RI Commission on Religion, Social Affairs, and Women Empowerment from Golkar Party

 

Since reformasi began in 1998, there has been a growing focus on improving women’s representation in Indonesian politics, with the legislature (DPR) as a key part.  The recently legalized 2012 general election law, building on provisions in 2003 and 2008 general election laws, requires that at least 30% of nomination lists for elections to the DPR must be reserved for women candidates. By the election law’s enforcing such a quota, women’s issues and aspirations are intended to be better represented.

As a result of the quota, between 1999 and 2009, women’s representation rate in DPR increased more than twofold, from 8.6% in 1999 to 11.1% in 2004 and 18.04% in 2009, showing a substantial progress of women’s representation in Indonesia’s parliament.

However, women’s representation in the parliament is still far below 30%.  Additionally, many observers note that the representation of women’s issues in the parliament has not been fully reflected in legislation, citing remaining challenges in areas such as domestic violence, child abuse, and equal access to education and health services for women.

How much has the progress of women’s representation, both in terms of quantity and impact, improved?  To what extent has the voice of women members of parliament brought about positive changes in public policies that directly concern women?  What are the remaining challenges to the representation of women and women’s issues in the Indonesian parliament? What measures can be taken to resolve those challenges and achieve the desired representation?  What role can the 2014 election play in furthering Indonesia’s goals for advancing women’s representation and women’s issues in the Indonesian parliament?

Please join us on June 6th to welcome two distinguished Indonesian women legislators, Hon. Ledia Hanifa Amaliah and Hon. Chairun Nisa to discuss the progress, challenges and recommended measures to further the goals of women’s effective participation in the Indonesian parliament.

To RSVP: Please click HERE and RSVP by June 5th. Please note space is limited.