Inspired by the historic Women’s Congress of Dec. 22, 1928 — which brought together 30 women’s organizations from Java and Sumatra — the Yogyakarta Office for Women’s Empowerment, Child Protection, and Population Control (DP3AP2 DIY), in collaboration with the Social Welfare Study Program (IKS) of UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta, commemorated National Mother’s Day with a large public gathering on Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023, at the Convention Hall of UIN Sunan Kalijaga.

Designed as a semi-formal event blending discussion, public oration, poetry, music, and dance performances, the commemoration carried the theme “Celebrating Extraordinary Women.” The event drew approximately 180 participants representing a wide range of social and civic groups, including women’s organizations, female legislative candidates, women village heads and district chiefs, PKK representatives, Dharma Wanita members, students, faculty members, and university officials, including the Vice Rector for Student Affairs of UIN Sunan Kalijaga.

The event featured keynote orations from Gusti Kanjeng Ratu Hemas, Gusti Putri Pakualam, and Marhumah.

In her speech, Ratu Hemas underscored the importance of women’s participation in both legislative and executive politics. She argued that women’s political representation should ideally reach full parity with men — 50 percent rather than the commonly cited 30 percent quota. Yet, she noted, women’s progress is at times hindered by divisions among women themselves. Calling for greater solidarity, she urged women to support one another and expressed hope that UIN Sunan Kalijaga would one day appoint a woman as rector.

Gusti Putri Pakualam encouraged women to equip themselves with knowledge and professional skills, enabling them to actively put themselves forward as leaders rather than waiting to be chosen.

Meanwhile, Prof. Marhumah responded to a challenge issued by DP3AP2 head Erlina and Ratu Hemas regarding the organization of a second Women’s Congress in Yogyakarta, stating that UIN Sunan Kalijaga would be prepared to host the event in 2024.

Following the speeches, participants joined a moderated discussion led by Ro’fah, focusing on a range of pressing issues affecting women, including accessibility for women with disabilities, reproductive health, sexual violence, women’s political participation, and broader strategies for gender justice.

The event concluded with the reading of the “Yogyakarta Women’s Declaration” by the head of DP3AP2, accompanied by Siti Solechah.

“We who are gathered here call for:

Greater attention from all stakeholders to the following rights: the right to live safely, civil and political rights, reproductive rights, economic rights, educational rights, environmental rights, health rights, and special rights for persons with disabilities.

We also recommend that all sectors learn together, collaborate, open equal and fair access, provide equitable services, create a sense of safety and gender justice within society, institutions, and families, and eliminate stigma and discrimination.”