Launch of the Women Human Rights Defender Network in Indonesia

Launch of the Women Human Rights Defender Network in Indonesia

Today, on International Women’s Day, we celebrate the launch of the Women Human Rights Defender (WHRD) Network in Indonesia. The Network was launched by International Bridges to Justice (IBJ), together with LBH APIK Jakarta and with support from the European Union. The Women Human Rights Defenders Network (WHRD) aims to be a place of inclusion and support for women defenders across Indonesia, who are dedicated to advocating for the rights of women, minorities, and other vulnerable groups. Celebrating International Women's Day, the Network launch also marks a new chapter for IBJ Indonesia towards better protecting women’s rights.

Today, on International Women’s Day, we celebrate the launch of the Women Human Rights Defender (WHRD) Network in Indonesia. The Network was launched by International Bridges to Justice (IBJ), together with LBH APIK Jakarta and with support from the European Union. The Women Human Rights Defenders Network (WHRD) aims to be a place of inclusion and support for women defenders across Indonesia, who are dedicated to advocating for the rights of women, minorities, and other vulnerable groups. Celebrating International Women's Day, the Network launch also marks a new chapter for IBJ Indonesia towards better protecting women’s rights.

A Gathering of Minds and Hearts
The launch event brought together more than 50 prominent figures and champions of women's rights from across Indonesia. It was moderated by Nancy Sunarno, a distinguished expert in human rights and women's rights. Opening remarks were delivered by H.E Denis Chaibi, Ambassador of the European Union to Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam, who emphasized the EU's commitment to support initiatives that ensuring access to justice for all. Uli Pangaribuan, the director of LBH APIK Jakarta, and Karen Tse, founder and CEO of IBJ, both highlighted the network's aim to bridge gaps in justice and provide a supportive community for defenders. Keynote speaker I G Agung Putri Astrid Kartika, Special Advisor to the Minister of Women Empowerment and Child Protection, along with Theresa Sri Endras Iswarini, Commissioner at the Commission to End Violence Against Women, offered valuable insights into the current landscape of women's rights and stressed the need to pave the way for equality.

The launch event brought together more than 50 prominent figures and champions of women's rights from across Indonesia. It was moderated by Nancy Sunarno, a distinguished expert in human rights and women's rights. Opening remarks were delivered by H.E Denis Chaibi, Ambassador of the European Union to Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam, who emphasized the EU's commitment to support initiatives that ensuring access to justice for all. Uli Pangaribuan, the director of LBH APIK Jakarta, and Karen Tse, founder and CEO of IBJ, both highlighted the network's aim to bridge gaps in justice and provide a supportive community for defenders. Keynote speaker I G Agung Putri Astrid Kartika, Special Advisor to the Minister of Women Empowerment and Child Protection, along with Theresa Sri Endras Iswarini, Commissioner at the Commission to End Violence Against Women, offered valuable insights into the current landscape of women's rights and stressed the need to pave the way for equality.

A Coalition for Change
The WHRD Network seeks to integrate women defenders from rural areas and those working at the grassroots level. "Inspire Inclusion," the theme of IWD 2024, resonates deeply with the Network. The Network aims to include not only lawyers, but also civil society leaders, journalists, paralegals, academics, and all women dedicated to human rights advocacy. Moreover, the network intends to connect Indonesian defenders with their global counterparts through IBJ's international network. This international collaboration will increase the impact of defenders' work locally and worldwide.

The WHRD Network seeks to integrate women defenders from rural areas and those working at the grassroots level. "Inspire Inclusion," the theme of IWD 2024, resonates deeply with the Network. The Network aims to include not only lawyers, but also civil society leaders, journalists, paralegals, academics, and all women dedicated to human rights advocacy. Moreover, the network intends to connect Indonesian defenders with their global counterparts through IBJ's international network. This international collaboration will increase the impact of defenders' work locally and worldwide.

Looking Forward
With this launch, the network's journey is just beginning. The WHRD Network will host monthly online meetings and an annual regional in-person meeting across various Indonesian cities. It marks a new chapter in the fight for women’s rights. In the words of Karen Tse, "The Women Human Rights Defender Network stands as a testament to our collective strength and determination to make a difference in the lives of women and vulnerable communities. We look forward to seeing the incredible achievements our network will accomplish.”

With this launch, the network's journey is just beginning. The WHRD Network will host monthly online meetings and an annual regional in-person meeting across various Indonesian cities. It marks a new chapter in the fight for women’s rights. In the words of Karen Tse, "The Women Human Rights Defender Network stands as a testament to our collective strength and determination to make a difference in the lives of women and vulnerable communities. We look forward to seeing the incredible achievements our network will accomplish.”