“Women’s representation in the DPR for the 2024–2029 period has reached a historic record high, amounting to around 21.9 percent or 127 out of 580 members of the DPR,” she remarked at the Parliamentary Complex here on Friday.
Speaking at the People's Consultative Assembly's (MPR's) Annual Session and the Joint Session of the House of Representatives (DPR) and Regional Representatives Council (DPD), she said the number still falls short of the ideal target of at least 30 percent women’s representation in legislative institutions.
She said that the 30-percent goal is in line with the spirit of gender equality affirmation in Indonesian politics.
The first woman to serve as the House Speaker said that a woman’s voice contributes to the nation. Without that voice, the "melody of civilization" would lose its harmony, as she explained, "becoming nothing more than a sound that never becomes a song".
She also quoted a verse from the iconic 1971 song "Imagine" by legendary musician John Lennon.
“Men and women live in the same world, bearing the same responsibility to build civilization. As the lyrics of the famous song go: Imagine all the people sharing all the world. You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one. I hope someday you'll join us, and the world will live as one," she pointed out.
She continued, "That is how we should envision it, a place where women and men share space, share power, and share responsibilities for collective progress. Women also have the right to hold public and state office at all levels."
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Translator: Fianda, Kenzu
Editor: Arie Novarina
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