INDONESIA: Website for Women in Politics Launched in Indonesia

The International Knowledge Network of Women in Politics (iKNOW Politics) launched its website, iknowpolitics.org, in Indonesia on Thursday to provide a forum for women to learn about politics from other countries' experiences.

Creators said the website aimed to increase the participation and effectiveness of women in political life by stimulating dialogue, creating knowledge and sharing experiences.

The website, available in English, Arabic, Spanish and French, provides free content such as a library with 3,000 academic papers, news reports, discussion forums and consultation with women political experts.

The content of the website is contributed by members, experts and five partner organizations: the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, the Inter-Parliamentary Union, the National Democratic Institute, the United Nations Development Program and the United Nations Development Fund for Women.

iKNOW Politics regional coordinator Tristanti Mitayani said the website was the place for women around the world to share their political experiences and look for knowledge and information.

“The website offers women a place to learn about politics without a classroom,” she said, adding that the website would be useful for women who were committed to starting in politics, but who did not have sufficient information about politics and political campaigns.

She added that they could consult with experts or other women around the globe about these things in the website's discussion forums.

“I wish the website had been around when I was still involved in politics,” National Mandate Party (PAN) and former House of Representatives member Tristanti said.

She added that the ultimate constraint for women in the legislature was the stereotype that women were incapable of taking part in politics because the place for women was at home.

Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Minister Linda Amalia Sari said that sources of information such as the website were important, but that the most important thing to do was to improve women's capability to utilize information technology.

“There are many women in remote areas with no access to sources of knowledge and information such as the Internet,” she said, adding that the government, community and private sectors should work together to provide that access.

Linda said the government should also work with NGOs to train women on gender-related issues to improve their political awareness and participation.

“A real democracy will be achieved when there is equal involvement from both men and women in politics,” she said.

She emphasized that more women needed to enter the legislature to advocate effectively on issues related to gender equality.