Badung, Bali (ANTARA) - The Indonesia-Africa Parliamentary Forum (IAPF) underscored the shared commitment of the Southeast Asian nation and the African region to women's empowerment as a catalyst for sustainable development.

During the IAPF in Nusa Dua, Bali, Sunday, Speaker of the House of Representatives (DPR) Puan Maharani, emphasized the importance of increasing women's participation in both economic and political sectors.

She called for greater efforts to provide women with access to education, training, and financial resources.

Maharani said that the IAPF served as a platform for Indonesia and Africa to exchange ideas and explore potential collaborations in various sectors.

Therefore, the focus on women's empowerment underscores the shared belief that empowering women is essential for building inclusive and equitable societies.

This shared vision was evident in the discussions and presentations at the IAPF.

One of the standout examples was Du Anyam, a social enterprise that has trained over 1,600 women in 54 villages across Indonesia's East Nusa Tenggara, South Kalimantan, and Papua to produce handicrafts.

By providing these women with skills and opportunities, Du Anyam has not only empowered individuals but has also helped to revitalize local economies.

"Women can make decisions for themselves and improve the economy," Du Anyam founder Hanna Keraf said.

As Du Anyam and other social enterprises continue to empower women in Indonesia, their success stories offer valuable lessons for other countries, including those in Africa.

By investing in women's empowerment, governments and businesses can unlock new opportunities for economic growth and social progress.

Translator: Dewa W, Kenzu
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
Copyright © ANTARA 2024