"Families have a role to build women`s self-confidence to be involved in economic activities," Rahmani remarked during the workshop of "Womens and Economic Empowerment," one of the activities of the 35th General Assembly of the International Council of Women (ICW) at the Grand Inna Malioboro, Yogyakarta, on Thursday.
Rahmani noted that in several countries, many women faced constraints from their family, especially husbands, to channel their talents or abilities in economic activities either for working outside the home or for independent entrepreneurship.
"This is a reality that many women depend on men (husbands), who think that women should only take care of their children as mothers," Rahmani stated.
Data from Asian Development Bank shows that less than 50 percent of the population of women in Asia are working, compared to 80 percent of men who work. This gap is getting worse, considering that women's income is 25 percent less than that of men.
In addition to fulfilling women's rights to channel their abilities, women's empowerment in the economic field can also reduce the level of violence against them.
"Hence, this effort requires serious support from the family," Rahmani stated.
In addition to family support, women must receive education to build their self-confidence to achieve economic empowerment.
Particularly in the Industrial Revolution 4.0, various fields of work can be utilized by women using automation technology.
Clara, one of the workshop participants from Thailand, admitted to facing economic problems following the demise of her husband. Clara's will and courage drove her to work and become an entrepreneur.
"I did not know what to do or how to pay for my child`s education after my husband died. However, finally, I managed to be successful in a career by building a business," Clara revealed.
The 35th General Assembly of ICW, being held on September 13-20, 2018, is themed "Transforming Society through Women Empowerment."
The assembly is held to coincide with the National Gathering of Thousand Indonesian Women's Organizations.
Both events were organized by ICW, Indonesian Women`s Congress (Kowani), and were fully supported by the Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) and 35 SOEs, including the Antara News Agency.
Reporting by Luqman Hakim
Editing by Yashinta Difa Pramudyani
Reporter: Antara
Editor: Sri Haryati
Copyright © ANTARA 2018
