There are not many women in high positions or leaders
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Minister of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection, Bintang Puspayoga, underscored the importance of the role and participation of female state civil servants (ASN) to apply a gender perspective in development.

"ASN, especially female ASN, are a think tank to find solutions to social problems through thoughts and ideas to formulate policies and programs that could accommodate the people's needs," she noted in Jakarta on Monday.

The minister made this statement at the 2023 Coordination Meeting of the Indonesian High Leaders Women's Association (PIMTI).

According to Puspayoga, addressing complex issues of women and children in Indonesia requires not only leaders and scholars possessing qualified knowledge and skills but also a good gender perspective.

Puspayoga observed that currently, women in leadership positions are likened to a pyramid, wherein the more one gets to the top, the lesser the number.

"There are still not enough representatives. There are not many women in high positions or leaders. The percentage of women ASN at the echelon one position is only 16 percent and a fewer number in the echelon two. This is very saddening," she remarked.

She stated that one of the factors that hinder women's career achievements is the patriarchal culture that is still deeply rooted in Indonesian society.

"It is not only about women, who do not take advantage of the opportunities, but also due to external factors, such as patriarchal factors that are still strong in our society," she emphasized.

The minister also expressed optimism that PIMTI would contribute to increasing the capacity and potential of women, especially in ASN ranks.

"I hope that PIMTI can produce real programs to advocate for female ASN to compete and fill high positions in employment. We hope we can realize a quota of 30 percent for female leaders in ASN ranks," she remarked.

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Translator: Anita Permata D, Resinta S
Editor: Sri Haryati
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