United Nations and IFI Commemorates Human Rights Day with "UNiTE", Urge Action to End Violence Against Women and Girls

Jakarta, Indonesia - On Human Rights Day, the United Nations and IFI hosted "UNiTE: Music Concert and Performing Arts to End Violence against women" event at M Bloc, Jakarta, today December 10. This event, marking the conclusion of the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign that aims to rally action for a violence-free future for women and girls.

The “UNiTE” event was jointly organized by the Embassy of France, Institut Français Indonesia (IFI), UN in Indonesia - UN Women, UNFPA, and UNDP  in collaboration with the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection, Komnas Perempuan and Yayasan Pulih.

The music and art festival aimed to draw attention, particularly among the youth to speak out on the prevention of violence against women and girls, as well as reinforcing solidarity with the victims and survivors of violence and collaborative efforts in this cause.

In her keynote speech Minister of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection, Bintang Puspayoga, underscored the importance of investing in the protection of women and girls’ rights free from violence for a better future. 

“This campaign is not just a commemoration, it’s a call to work together to end all forms of violence against women and girls at all levels of society.”

Jamshed M. Kazi, UN Women Representative and Liaison to ASEAN, highlighted the significance of the event to emphasize the message that there is no excuse for gender-based violence. 

"Violence against women must and can be prevented unless we choose to stay silent. Transforming harmful social norms and promoting zero tolerance to violence against women is a crucial step towards a safer world for everyone," he stated.

Data from WHO reveals that one in three women and girls globally experience such violence in their lifetime, underscoring the need for continuous action. 

Further research by UNODC and UN Women shows that 55% of all female homicides are committed by family members or intimate partners, a harrowing fact that emphasizes the urgency of the issue.

In Indonesia, the reported cases of gender-based violence have seen a dramatic increase, rising from 216,156 in 2012 to 457,895 in 2022. Chair of Komnas Perempuan, Andy Yentriyani, said “The increase in reported cases could be an indication of increased confidence and access for victims to report. Therefore, let's not waste the trust of the victims. Let's work together to ensure that victims can enjoy their rights and include victims' experiences as lessons learned to strengthen efforts to prevent similar cases from recurring."

The event featured music performances from Danilla Riyadi and Hippotopia. Furthermore, this year’s UNiTE event opened applications for an “Open Stage”. The brief asked university students interested in gender equality to submit a video of music and art performances that promote ending violence against women and girls and empowerment.

Of more than 30 applicants, five performers from universities in Jakarta, Jayapura, Mataram, and Surabaya were selected to showcase their music, poetry, dance, and theatre performances, demonstrating their artistic skills while campaigning for social change.

“Music and art are powerful mediums, and their message to eradicate violence is impactful,” noted Danila Riyadi.

The United Nations in Indonesia continues to forge strong partnerships with government bodies, private sector entities, civil society organizations, and influencers to promote a zero-tolerance culture towards violence.

The participation of UNFPA champion Ayu Saraswati underscored the ongoing advocacy efforts necessary for this cause.

“We must end the permissive culture of normalizing violence against women. Each one of us plays a vital part in eliminating violence against women. We must continue to push for change at all levels,” said UNFPA Champion Ayu Saraswati.

Expressing the need for collective efforts to end violence against women and girls, Director of IFI and Counselor for Cooperation of the French Embassy in Indonesia, Jules Irrmann said "It is a priority for France, it is a world issue, it is our combat. We have to act together: say no to any forms of violence, stop to normalize, and break the silence. We have to speak up and support the victims."

Media Contact:

UN Women: Radhiska Anggiana I 08121347144 (radhiska.anggiana@unwomen.org)

UN Information Center: Siska Widyawati I 087884885489 (siska.widyawati@un.org)