International Women's Day: synergy among women's organisations emphasised

Jakarta — Indonesia’s Minister for Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection, Arifah Fauzi, has emphasised the importance of collaboration between women’s organisations and communities in strengthening women’s empowerment and the protection of women and children from violence.

“International Women’s Day, commemorated annually on 8 March, serves as a reminder that women are agents of change, whether in families, communities, business, and in community development,” said Minister Arifah Fauzi in a statement in Jakarta on Tuesday.

She made these remarks whilst attending an inter-community women’s gathering entitled “Women’s Collaboration, Ramadan Light” organised by the Indonesian Women Entrepreneurs Association (Iwapi).

The minister hopes that the commemoration of International Women’s Day will serve as an opportunity to strengthen the synergy between women’s organisations and communities.

She expressed appreciation for the efforts of Iwapi and several representatives of women’s organisations in building public awareness of the urgency of women’s empowerment and child protection.

According to the minister, women, who comprise nearly half of Indonesia’s population, have a strategic role in developing superior human resources.

“We express our appreciation to all organisations that have committed to providing the best services to society, particularly to women and children. This commitment will undoubtedly strengthen government performance,” said Arifah Fauzi.

“The Ministry for Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection also welcomes the involvement of various women’s organisations, as the implementation of the President’s Eight-Point Programme and various priority programmes cannot be carried out by the government alone, but rather require collaboration and support from all elements of society,” she added.