Assistant deputy for participation improvement of professional agencies and business world at the Ministry of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA), Eko Novi Ariyanti, made the remarks at a webinar on the role of women on Wednesday.
"In this pandemic condition, the number of women accessing the marketplace increased to 47 percent from previously 32 percent. This proves that women are aware of the opportunities of technology," she pointed out.
According to Ariyanti, 25 percent of men were utilizing the marketplace for running their businesses before the pandemic and their number increased to 40 percent during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nevertheless, she added, women's participation in the economy is still far lower compared to men. "But, in general, women's participation in economic activities is still much lower than that of men, about 53 percent versus 83 percent," she remarked.
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According to Ariyanti, it is necessary to enhance women's participation in the economy through partnerships such as establishing groups of women economic players; offering assistance to improve the quality of human resources and products; collaborating for supply chain facilitation, innovation, technology, and production facilities; expediting market access and funding; and encouraging women-led MSMEs (micro, small, and medium enterprises) to not only develop but also empower the local economy.
She also pointed out that women still have the opportunity to upgrade their role as economic drivers because their access to technology is high enough at 44.86 percent.
"Women and technology are a powerful combination to create change in the world, through access to education, information, and potential development," Ariyanti remarked.
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Translator: Aditya R, Kenzu T
Editor: Suharto
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