Minister Arifah Fauzi highlighted the potential of the Association of Female Middle East Alumni (Perwatt), an organization of Indonesian women who studied in the Middle East, to drive social change.
Her remarks came during the inauguration of Perwatt’s central, regional, and special branch boards for 2025-2030.
Fauzi said Muslim women play key roles in da’wah (Islamic propagation), education, and empowerment across multiple sectors.
“Women make up nearly half of Indonesia’s population. National progress requires empowering women and protecting them from all forms of violence,” she said.
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She urged Perwatt to focus on three priority areas to advance human development and women’s participation. The first is creating a safe ecosystem through education and prevention of violence against women and children.
The second priority is economic empowerment, enabling women to actively contribute to development and support family welfare.
The third area is digital literacy, helping women and children use technology positively while avoiding online risks.
Fauzi stressed that coordinated action between the government and women’s organizations is essential for building an inclusive, safe, and productive society.
Perwatt leaders pledged to implement programs aligning with the minister’s vision, focusing on community outreach, skills training, and advocacy to strengthen women’s roles in society.
The ministry and Perwatt aim to ensure that policies and initiatives provide tangible benefits, safeguarding women and children while fostering active participation in Indonesia’s national development.
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Translator: Anita Permata, Raka Adji
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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