“Women are the driving force in all development sectors,” she stated in Jakarta on Saturday during the ASEAN Women CEO Forum 2023, a side event of the 43rd ASEAN Summit to be held on September 5-7.
Puspayoga noted that women constitute half of the world's population, and women’s empowerment is of utmost importance to encourage sustainable development that promotes equality and full participation of women.
In Indonesia, women manage more than half of the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as well as business units that support the national economy, she said.
She cited a study that also showed that when women are economically empowered, they are more willing to invest their income in improving the nutritional status, health, and education of their children.
Puspayoga said that she believes that this, in turn, also directly promotes sustainable development for future generations.
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Furthermore, financially independent women will also improve family welfare and reduce the risks of child exploitation practices and child marriage, which are usually caused by poverty, she remarked.
She assessed that it was necessary to encourage the potential of women and that women’s empowerment should also be part of the national, regional, and global strategy to achieve a prosperous and sustainable future.
Puspayoga affirmed that the Indonesian government has fully committed to gender equality.
The commitment to the safety and welfare of all citizens, regardless of their gender, is clearly stated in Indonesia’s Constitution, she pointed out.
She noted that currently, the government has issued policies and regulations that support gender mainstreaming in all sectors.
“We are also committed to boosting women’s potential and supporting women’s economic empowerment as part of our national strategy,” Puspayoga remarked.
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Translator: Katriana, Raka Adji
Editor: Anton Santoso
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