During the 5th World Assembly for Women (WAW!) in Tokyo, Saturday (Mar 23), Marsudi noted that Ardern had proven to be a good leader in the face of a terror attack in Christchurch, last week.
"The measures taken by the New Zealand PM while dealing with the Christchurch shooting tragedy, showing great empathy, which is able to foster solidarity and demonstrate her role as the 'mother' of the nation," Marsudi noted in a written statement from the Indonesian Foreign Ministry on Sunday.
According to Marsudi, the leadership of the female prime minister, such as Jacinda Ardern, shows that women have the ability to play a role and contribute to peace.
"I strongly believe in the strength of the role of women in promoting peace. Let us work together in encouraging the participation of women as the agents of peace and tolerance," Marsudi noted.
Furthermore, Marsudi conveyed the importance of increasing women's participation and empowerment as negotiators and mediators.
In this regard, Indonesia and the ASEAN will hold a Regional Training on Women, Peace and Security for female diplomats from all ASEAN countries.
This activity is expected to offer a momentum to build a network of women peace negotiators and mediators in Southeast Asia.
Marsudi also encouraged women ministers to take similar steps in the region to increase the capacity of women as peace negotiators and mediators.
This network is further expected to establish cooperation with similar networks in other regions as a real contribution of women in creating global stability and peace.
"I believe that negotiators and female mediators will contribute more to maintaining peace and stability," Marsudi remarked at the WAW! meeting attended by Vice President of Panama Isabel Saint Malo as well as female foreign ministers from eight countries.
The 5th WAW! forum was organized by the Japanese government in collaboration with Women 20, a G-20 engagement group that voices the issue of women's empowerment, gender equality, and inclusive growth in the international economic sector.
The forum is part of Japan's commitment to mainstreaming gender issues and empowering women in various fields.
Translator: Yashinta Difa Pramudyani
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2019
