"Until now, women are still categorized as a vulnerable group who experience stigmatization, marginalization, gender-based violence, and discrimination, as well as inequality in getting access, participation, control, and development benefits that are equal to men," she noted in a press release issued here on Tuesday.
Puspayoga said that eradicating all forms of discrimination against women and achieving gender equality, especially in the workplace, is a task for everyone.
According to her, joint hard work is needed to eliminate various forms of discrimination and gender gaps in order to create superior and competitive human resources.
The minister pointed out that patriarchal culture is the main root of inequalities experienced by women, even though the 1945 Constitution and other laws have guaranteed protection and equality to all Indonesian people, including women.
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She said that the community and government decision-making processes are not yet fully implemented with a gender perspective, which consequently has led to women's needs often not being accommodated.
Women have special needs, such as those related to menstruation, pregnancy, and breastfeeding, so special and specific strategies are needed to fulfill those needs.
"Those should not become an excuse for anyone to ignore the fulfillment of women's specific needs or even view women as a burden," she stressed.
Puspayoga said that gender mainstreaming in the workplace will not only benefit women but also companies.
Gender mainstreaming efforts provide benefits to companies in the form of increased productivity, employee performance, and profits, she expounded.
She highlighted that active participation is needed to reduce patriarchal practices, especially those that hinder women from accessing various opportunities.
"The future of a nation also depends on how far women can participate, become leaders, and make changes," she remarked.
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Translator: Anita Permata, Raka Adji
Editor: Suharto
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