Cross-Sector Collaboration Strengthens Indigenous Women's Empowerment, Says Ministry

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Veronica Tan emphasised the importance of cross-sector collaboration in achieving women’s empowerment, child protection and sustainable village development.

“Village development cannot be carried out by the government alone, but requires synergy between the central government, regional governments, village governments, customary institutions, the business community, civil society organisations and citizens. We have come not to give directives from above, but to listen to what the community needs so that we can resolve it together,” said Deputy Minister Veronica Tan in a statement in Jakarta on Friday.

She made the remarks while attending the Wunca harvest thanksgiving ritual of the indigenous community in Ngata Toro Village, Sigi Regency, Central Sulawesi.

She said that the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (KemenPPPA) is currently transforming its approach to women’s empowerment and child protection.

Beyond strengthening the handling of violence cases, the ministry is now prioritising prevention efforts through strengthening family economies, improving human resource quality, and empowering women down to the village level.

As an entry point for its programmes, the ministry is developing Local Women’s Food Gardens to strengthen family food security while boosting women’s economic independence based on local potential and environmental sustainability.

“Women play a vital role in building healthy, high-quality families. Therefore, women need equal access to resources, including productive land, so they can improve family welfare while supporting children’s nutrition and stunting prevention. If women are prosperous, I am confident they will create a comfortable home for their families,” said Veronica Tan.

During the visit, the Deputy Minister took part in the Wunca customary procession and the Molengka Gampiri ritual, which marked the inauguration of the Ngata Toro indigenous community’s food barn.

The event symbolised the indigenous community’s gratitude for the harvest as well as their commitment to maintaining food security and environmental sustainability through local wisdom.