However, Indonesian women will stand strong and become a pillar to save the nation from various difficulties
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Women plays an important role in economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, such as through the empowerment of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), Women Empowerment and Child Protection Minister Bintang Puspayoga stated.

"Various data, index, and study results indicate that encouraging women's active participation in the economy could increase the state's revenue significantly," the minister noted a press statement here on Tuesday.

"Hence, I assert that mainstreaming gender and women's empowerment in the efforts to recover the economy amid the COVID-19 pandemic crisis is an obligation and not an option," she affirmed.

The ministry recorded that out of the 64 million MSMEs, more than 50 percent were owned by women.

The success of women-owned MSMEs amid the pandemic was achieved through skills, intelligence, and creativity to continue to innovate.

"Not just by adjusting to the market's demand but also by pioneering a new market trend," Puspayoga remarked.

However, the minister deemed that the collective struggle for women's empowerment and gender equality was far from over.

This is because of the presence of a deeply rooted patriarchal culture that places women in a vulnerable position.

"This vulnerability is what has caused women to lag behind in terms of access, opportunities, and benefit acceptance in development," the minister elaborated.

"However, Indonesian women will stand strong and become a pillar to save the nation from various difficulties, such as the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, which we are facing right now," she affirmed.

The ministry has invited all parties to collectively tackle various challenges that hinder the advancement of women entrepreneurs in Indonesia, such as unequal accessibility to funding as well as improvement in capacity and digital literacy.

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Translator: Anita Permata Dewi, Fadhli R
Editor: Sri Haryati
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