One obstacle to the gender empowerment index is the lack of representation of women in the legislature. It is yet not optimal
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Secretary of the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas) Himawan Hariyoga Djojokusumo affirmed that women became vital resources in sustainable development.

"However, Indonesia still experiences the issue of gender inequality, and it should be addressed," Himawan stated at the National Conference held by the Australia-Indonesia Partnership for Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment (MAMPU) in Jakarta on Wednesday.

Himawan pointed to the still existent development gap between men and women in the fields of education, health, and the economy.

Furthermore, Indonesian women and children continue to reel from the issue of violence, be it physical, psychological, or sexual in nature; including when they encounter emergency situations, such as disasters.

"One obstacle to the gender empowerment index is the lack of representation of women in the legislature. It is yet not optimal," he remarked.

In some regions, women's representation in the legislature is also quite high, touching 30 percent. However, women legislative members have yet to fully voice the interests of women and children.

Himawan delivered a speech at the opening of the National Conference on "Multi-party Synergy for Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment" held by MAMPU in Jakarta.

Australian Ambassador to Women and Children Sharman Stone was among the other speakers at the opening ceremony.

In her speech, Stone highlighted the fact that the Australian government felt immense pride to be working with Indonesia to attain better results for women and girls in the path toward realizing better economic growth and living standards.

"I look forward to meeting with current women leaders, policy makers, business people, and civil society activists working to advance gender equality in Indonesia," she added. Related news: Counter-terrorism needs gender mainstreaming: experr

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Translator: Dewanto, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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