"Women's participation in politics, especially at the level of decision-making, is actually a benchmark of how democracy works," she said at a national seminar, which was broadcast live on the YouTube channel of the Election House and was accessed from here on Thursday.
She said she believes that women's participation in politics reflects the opportunity and space given to women to fight for the values of equality.
Gender equality is one of the important goals that must be achieved by the government, as stated in the 5th Sustainable Development Goals regarding gender equality, she noted.
However, there are several challenges faced by women that impede the achievement of this goal, such as low acceptance by society, the problem of subordination and limitations on space for self-actualization, which are motivated by thinking and perceptions of women, as well as political and social barriers that make society divided, she said.
Related news: news focus: Muslim legislators conference emphasizes women`s roles, democracy
According to Moerdijat, political and social barriers are obstacles for women. Therefore, a spirit of togetherness is needed to transcend those barriers, she said.
"We can build a sisterhood to achieve what we aspire to," she remarked.
Through a sense of sisterhood, women can take care of each other and transcend existing barriers to move forward together towards a Powerful Indonesia (Tangguh Indonesia), she added.
Moerdijat also emphasized that the fight for gender equality cannot just focus on convincing the elite of political parties, but also involve increasing the confidence of women so they can come forward and become willing to overcome all obstacles to take part in the 2024 political contest.
Women's participation does not involve fulfilling quotas or carrying out practical politics, but is meant to voice women's interests and fight for the values of equality, she added.
Related news: Presence of women in politics important: Researcher
Related news: Increase women's participation in election committees: UI expert
Translator: Putu Indah, Raka Adji
Editor: Suharto
Copyright © ANTARA 2021
