Jakarta (ANTARA) - Women in villages have minimal access to education and health facilities as well as job openings, Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Minister Bintang Puspayoga stated at the 4th Plenary Event of W20 on Wednesday.

During the Parallel Session of the Inclusive Economic Growth to Build Resilience: Rural Women and Women with Disability event, the minister explained that such dismal conditions were due to the lack of adequate infrastructure in villages.

The W20 is one of the engagement groups within Indonesia's G20 Presidency that forms the women's empowerment network to encourage the adoption of G20's commitment in women's issues.

The G20 is an international forum comprising 19 countries that work together to handle major issues. Indonesia is holding the presidency of the grouping this year.

Moreover, the minister highlighted that these women bear huge responsibility toward their households, such as looking for water and energy.

"These women also encounter difficulties and face improper working conditions," she pointed out.

To this end, Puspayoga's ministry, along with the Villages, Disadvantaged Areas and Transmigration Ministry, Home Affairs Ministry, and regional governments have cooperated in developing Women and Child Friendly Villages (DRPPA).

DRPPA aim to promote women's and children's rights among the people, she stated.

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They are also developed to promote entrepreneurship in women and those with disabilities in these villages.

Currently, there are 142 DRPPA spread out across 71 districts and 33 provinces, she noted.

During the event, Puspayoga also highlighted that women with disabilities face greater stigmatization and discrimination as compared to those without disabilities.

Disabled women are often viewed as being powerless, despite the fact that they have the same capabilities and potential as everyone else, she stated.

Most women with disabilities work in the informal sector or do not even work at all, she added.

Empowering women, whether they come from cities or villages, including women with disabilities, is expected to able to make the world's economy more prosperous.

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Translator: Anita Permata D, Fadhli Ruhman
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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