Women now lead global campaigns for equitable access to vaccine since all co-chairs of the COVAXAMC Engagement Group are women
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi gave due importance to the critical role of women in curbing the COVID-19 pandemic and driving recovery.


Marsudi made the remarks in her keynote address at a high-level digital meeting “Building Forward: Women Political Leaders Determining the New Normal" organized by the Women Political Leaders Network in Brussels, Belgium, on Monday (June 21), the Foreign Ministry noted in a written statement released on Tuesday.

The important role of women is apparent from the number of global healthcare workers, largely constituting women and their involvement in the management of micro, small, and medium businesses (MSMEs) to meet the requirements of health equipment, according to the minister.

“Women now lead global campaigns for equitable access to vaccine since all co-chairs of the COVAXAMC Engagement Group are women,” Marsudi remarked.

COVAX Advanced Market Commitment (AMC) Engagement Group is a forum between the AMC member states and donor countries for the procurement and distribution of vaccine for 92 AMC member states.

The minister pointed out that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a greater impact on women than on men. Women are more vulnerable to losing jobs, bearing domestic burden, and suffering violence.


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A study also found that women are more doubtful about vaccines due to a lack of mobility and access to health information.

"Hence, women should draw main attention in the efforts to recover from the pandemic," Marsudi stated.

In the short run, women need to play a greater role in addressing the issue of doubts circulating about the vaccine and public fatigue about COVID-19, she noted.

To this end, the minister emphasized that women should make their voices heard and become involved in the decision-making process.

In the long run, women’s empowerment must become a priority in the efforts to recover from the pandemic, Marsudi stated.

Women’s empowerment could be realized by increasing their participation in the economy, improving their access to digital technology, promoting public awareness about gender equitability, and creating an environment for ushering in equitable opportunities for women.

"Indonesia is committed to advancing the women’s agenda, including in the Indonesian presidency for G-20. We must take advantage of this momentum to build a post-pandemic sustainable, resilient, and just inclusive world," the minister stressed.

Women Political Leaders is a global network of women politicians and leaders focused on increasing the influence of women and their number to don leadership roles.

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Translator: Yuni Arisandy Si/Suharto
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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