"March 8 is International Women's Day. I want to dedicate the day to Palestinian women for their role in peace and security," Marsudi noted in a statement issued by the foreign ministry, here, Wednesday.
The program, themed "International Training of Trainers on Business Planning for Women in Refugee Camps: Women Empowerment to Achieve Sustainable Development Goals," is aimed at empowering Palestinian women.
Some 30 people representing various institutions and organizations dealing with Palestinian refugees in Palestine and Jordan are taking part in the business training program, organized from March 5 to 8, 2019.
The organizations include UNRWA Palestine, UNRWA Jordan, Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization (JHCO), East Jerusalem Young Men Christian Association (YMCA), Women`s Centre Al Thouri Silwan, and WAFAA Group-Palestine.
Women play a crucial role in national development, according to Marsudi.
"Palestine is at the heart of Indonesia`s international politics. Palestinian and women empowerment issues are close to my heart," she stated.
Developing a Palestinian state is not easy, as it needs a conducive condition and international support in the fields of economic development and capacity building, she added.
The training program is expected to help Palestinians prepared in achieving their country's independence.
"Indonesia has, for a long time, provided capacity building support to Palestinians, among other things, in the development of small- and medium-scale entrepreneurship, women`s empowerment, good governance, micro financing, and environmental preservation, which will form an important foundation for the development of Palestinian institutions," she noted.
Empowerment of Palestinian women will not only bring economic benefits but will also strengthen the social-economic infrastructure of Palestinians.
Marsudi lauded the role of international communities, particularly the UNRWA and other organizations that have worked hard to improve the quality of life of Palestinians living in refugee camps.
The minister emphasized Indonesia`s position that always pushed member countries of the OIC to be firm and brave in giving support to Palestine.
"During the OIC meeting last week, I stated that there is no other choice for the OIC but to give firm and concrete support for the independence of Palestine," she emphasized.
On the occasion, Marsudi witnessed the signing of a letter of intent between the Governments of Indonesia and Palestine on supplies of clean water through desalination, medicines, and medical equipment for the people of Gaza.
The signatories of the letter of intent were Secretary General of the Indonesian Foreign Ministry Mayerfas and Assistant Minister for Asia, Africa, and Australia of the Palestinian Foreign Ministry Besar Mazen Shamiyah.
Experts giving the training are from the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) Indonesia under the Ciputra Foundation, which has established partnership with Jordan`s Queen Rania Foundation.
Reporting by Yashinta DP, Fardah A
Reporter: Antara
Editor: Sri Haryati
Copyright © ANTARA 2019
