This aligns with the 2022 International Women's Day theme of "Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow".
Puspayoga noted in a press statement on Wednesday that women's vulnerable position amid the COVID-19 pandemic makes their involvement in decision-making more important.
Since women became more vulnerable due to COVID-19, their active participation, both through their actions and voice, specifically in policy-making to mitigate the pandemic's impact, became crucial to realize prosperity for all.
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According to Puspayoga, various problems that bog down women are not because they are weak or not capable, but rather due to patriarchal social construction formed through various inherited viewpoints, histories, ideologies, and cultures that place women in a lower position than men.
This social construct has also created various unfair or gender bias habits, behavior patterns, policies, and viewpoints that impact the quality of life of Indonesian human resources as a whole.
Her ministry has encouraged various parties to promote gender equality and to participate in ensuring the implementation of women's protection policy, including for the marginal group.
These parties include the government, religious figures, political figures, civil organizations, and women organizations.
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Earlier, Puspayoga stressed that realizing gender equality in the world is crucial for sustainable development.
This is because the principle of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically the fifth goal, aims to ensure that no one is left behind.
Equality and protection for women became a collective goal that cannot be negotiated anymore, so women can participate in the entire development process, the minister remarked.
Women are crucial human resources that can bring advancement for us all in all situations, including during a crisis, she emphasized.
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Translator: Anita Permata D, Fadhli Ruhman
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2022
