"To all Indonesia's workers, I convey my International Workers' Day greetings. The workers have huge dedication for this country, and you have rendered your service for the nation,"
Jakarta (ANTARA) - House of Representatives (DPR) Speaker Puan Maharani accentuated the importance of protection and equality for female workers at their workplaces on the occasion of International Workers' Day (May Day) on May 1.

"The protection of women's rights should be regulated rigidly in their work contract and company regulations. It is also important to ensure equal wage and career advancement opportunities for female workers," Maharani noted, as per the statement received here on Wednesday.

The House speaker remarked that female workers still face challenges and risks in their workplaces in the form of gender discrimination and sexual harassment, among others.

The speaker also affirmed that the DPR continues to advocate for a law on mothers' and children's health to be enacted to ensure that female workers, especially mothers, will be protected.

"We are fighting for a bill that will mandate companies to protect female workers who are pregnant and breastfeeding, including by providing a special room for pregnant mothers and a lactation room," Maharani stated.

Employers should also be attentive to their female workers' rights to menstrual leave as mandated by the Manpower Law, she remarked, adding that she is concerned that some companies failed to assure menstrual leave rights for their workers.

"Meanwhile, long-term leave is not ought to be only exclusive for mothers who have just given birth but also for mothers who suffer miscarriage," she stressed.

The DPR speaker then conveyed her Labor Day greetings to all workers who have contributed to national development.

"To all Indonesia's workers, I convey my International Workers' Day greetings. The workers have huge dedication for this country, and you have rendered your service for the nation," she remarked.

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Translator: Melalusa Susthira, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Arie Novarina
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