Family Health Walk: Bringing Diverse Groups Together to Strive for the Elimination of Violence against Women in Central Java

A coalition of civil society organisations in Central Java — which included MAMPU Partner LRC-KJHAM — hosted a ‘Family Health Walk’ to commemorate the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence Campaign and Mother’s Day — which fell on 22 December. The activity was held during the weekly Car Free Day event that takes place at Simpang Lima, Semarang. Over 10,000 participants took part. The Governor of Central Java, Ganjar Pranowo, attended the event along with representatives from the Family Welfare Movement (PKK), the Provincial Police Chief, local military commander, civil society organisations, and students from various universities in Central Java. A number of community groups such as Semarang Runners and women’s groups active in campaigning against gender-based violence also took part.

Ganjar Pranowo opened the proceedings by starting the 5km Fun Run; the Semarang Runners enthusiastically took part in this event, which was organised to support the elimination of violence against women. A number of prominent community figures, including the Chairperson of the Provincial PKK Board, the Chair of the Police Wives Association (Bayangkari), as well as women’s rights activists Fathkurazzi and Kuriake spoke at the event. The activists invited all participants present to take part in and support efforts to reduce violence against women. A flash mob of dancers also sparked the enthusiasm of the crowd.

The event was brought to a close with the signing of a document that demonstrated the participants’ commitment to working towards the elimination of violence against women and the protection of women victims of violence in Central Java. This document was signed by the participants, including the Provincial Police Chief, the regional military commander and the chairpersons of the regional PKK and Bayangkari branches.