"The ASEAN welcomes the 67th Annual Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) with the theme 'Innovation and Change in Technology and Education in the Digital Era to Achieve Gender Equality and Empowerment for All Women and Girls,'" the minister noted in a written statement received here, Wednesday.
The 67th Annual Session of CSW took place in New York, the United States, on March 6-17, 2023.
According to Puspayoga, the CSW meeting is a promising opportunity to share progress and challenges in achieving gender equality and empowerment for all women and girls in the digital era.
Minister Puspayoga, who was present representing ASEAN countries, stated that during the last 55 years, the ASEAN had clocked extraordinary progress and achievements.
However, ASEAN countries continue to reel from obstacles, including the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on women and girls. The minister pointed out that the biggest impacts were in the form of loss of jobs and income.
Meanwhile, other impacts were also faced in various fields, such as education, economy, health care, and other essential services for women and girls, the minister pointed out.
"With these challenges, the ASEAN has strengthened close cooperation to increase the role of women in peace, stability, and sustainable development in the digital era," she pointed out.
In addition, Puspayoga said that for Indonesia's chairmanship in the ASEAN in 2023, the country brought up the theme of "ASEAN Matters, Epicentrum of Growth."
She expressed optimism that the ASEAN would play an important role in maintaining regional and world economic growth that then requires the mainstreaming of a gender perspective in ASEAN's works.
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Translator: Anita Permata D, Resinta S
Editor: Sri Haryati
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