Niken Nurcahyani, Td, Jakarta – A number of women's organizations staged a rally, pushing for the ratification of the sexual violence crime bill or RUU TPKS at the Arjuna Wiwaha Horse Statue of Central Jakarta in commemoration of International Women's Day today, March 8. The mass was estimated to be around 100-200 people.

They also demanded a social protection system that is non-discriminatory, inclusive, and guarantees everyone to be free from poverty.

"Today's demands are related to sexual violence and social protection. Because we see that sexual violence cases are increasingly alarming but it is not in line with how the government will take the responsibility to pass the sexual violence crime bill," said Tyas, a representative of Perempuan Mahardhika, at the protest's site today, March 8.

Other than Perempuan Mahardhika, activists taking part in the demonstration came from Jaringan Muda Setara, Lingkar Studi Feminis, Gerpuan UNJ, KMPLHK RANITA, Kolektif Mahasiswa UPJ, GMNI UNPAM, BEM FH UI, Kopri Komfaka, BEM UI, and KSPN.

Dominated by women, they were seen donning white clothes bearing handprints. "We wear white clothes and then put our handprints on our clothes as a symbol of resistance as if we say no for harassment against women," Tyas explained.

Demonstrators also held a moment of silence as a form of mourning for victims of sexual harassment. They pinned hopes that there will be no more cases of sexual harassment, especially among students.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/1568469/womens-day-demonstrators-push-for-sexual-violence-bill-ratificatio