INDONESIA: ASEAN Lacks Data on Violence Against Women: UNFPA
The Jakarta Post reported on 6 August that few ASEAN countries have reliable statistical data on the prevalence of violence against women although the 2004 ASEAN Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women underscored the need for reliable statistics both to assess the prevalence of the social problem and to continually monitor changes.
The article quoted UNFPA Representative for Indonesia Jose Ferraris that such statistics were important to inform and guide the development of national legislation, policies and programmes that could prevent violence against women and protect survivors as well.
Without timely and accurate indicators, it is impossible to track progress or provide information that compels policy makers to act toward the elimination of violence against women, Mr. Ferraris was quoted saying. The comments were made at a press conference during a workshop on “Strengthening National Capacities to Collect Violence Against Women Statistics in the ASEAN Region” jointly held by the Women Empowerment and Child Protection Ministry, ASEAN Secretariat and the UNFPA in Jakarta from 6-9 August. Read in English: Jakarta Post