Khofifah pushes for stronger protection and empowerment of women
The Governor of East Java, Khofifah Indar Parawansa, has urged stronger protection and empowerment for women coinciding with International Women’s Day 2026, to broaden women’s roles in regional development and to enhance gender equality across various sectors of life.
The East Java population in the second half of 2025 reached 42,226,212 people, with women making up about 50.15 percent or 21,179,156 individuals. This represents a major strength as well as a challenge for regional development, Khofifah said in Surabaya on Sunday.
She explained that various gender development indicators in East Java show a positive trend. The East Java Gender Development Index (IPG) for 2024 was recorded at 92.19, higher than the national average of 91.85.
Moreover, the East Java Gender Inequality Index (IKG) also showed a significant improvement, dropping to 0.347 in 2024 from 0.423 in 2023.
“This figure is below the national average IKG of 0.421 and places East Java as one of the provinces with the lowest levels of gender inequality in Indonesia,” she said.
She added that female representation in the East Java legislative body currently stands at around 20 percent, while female participation in the workforce is recorded at 60.64 percent.
However, she emphasised that various challenges must still be faced together, including cases of violence against women and children, child marriages, and issues of stunting.
“Improving the quality of life for women must continue to be a shared concern. Because women are not only beneficiaries of development, but also major actors in development,” she asserted.
The East Java Provincial Government, she continued, continues to strengthen policies for the protection of women through the strengthening of the Regional Technical Implementation Unit for the Protection of Women and Children (UPTD PPA) and the Family Learning Centre (PUSPAGA) in various regions.
According to Khofifah, these steps are important to ensure women receive protection, support, and equal opportunities in various aspects of life.
International Women’s Day, observed on 8 March each year, is a global moment to highlight women’s struggles and the importance of gender equality.
Quoting the official website of UN Women (the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women), the theme for International Women’s Day 2026 is ‘Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls.’
In its global message, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres noted that women around the world still enjoy only about 64 percent of the legal rights that men have.
“The momentum of International Women’s Day should remind us all that we have a responsibility to ensure that women and girls obtain rights, protection, opportunities, and a fair space in development,” he said.
He also noted that women are a key pillar in families, communities, and national development.
“When women advance and become empowered, the nation becomes stronger,” he said.