"Religious leaders and scholars can support women's economic empowerment, especially for poor and vulnerable families and women who head their families," the minister said in a press release here on Thursday.
She stressed that the health and socio-economic sectors are among the sectors that have been affected the most by the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia.
According to her, the role of all elements of society, including religious leaders and scholars, in tackling the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is crucial.
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Scientific and religious approaches, especially the perspective of religious leaders as opinion leaders, can encourage the acceleration of the nation's recovery, she said.
"In the midst of this complex situation, critical and creative intellectual thinking with a religious approach is the key to providing fast and appropriate solutions so that Indonesia can survive the crisis caused by COVID-19," she added.
Women's economic empowerment from a gender perspective implies empowerment that does not only function as a means for women to earn an income, but also as a tool to free themselves from the traps of violence and discrimination, she explained.
Women who are involved in economic activities, including entrepreneurship, do not only act as the nation's economic strength, but also become a part of efforts to achieve equality and achieve the development of the nation and state, she remarked.
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Translator: Anita Permata, Raka Adji
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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