Minister of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Urges Women to Empower Themselves for an Equitable Indonesia

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Minister for Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA) Arifah Fauzi has urged all Indonesian women to continue contributing, empowering themselves, and becoming part of the change towards a more equitable and inclusive Indonesia. “Great women are not always visible at the forefront, but their impact is felt widely in family, community, and even national spheres. Many great changes begin with the small steps of a woman,” said Minister PPPA Arifah Fauzi in a statement in Jakarta on Tuesday. She made these remarks while opening the Women’s Inspiration Award 2026 event. According to her, women have a strategic role as drivers of change, starting from the smallest circles and having a broad impact on society and the nation. She stated that efforts to empower women are now being strengthened as a collective endeavour to address various existing challenges. Data from the 2024 National Women’s Life Experience Survey (SPHPN) shows that one in four Indonesian women has experienced violence in their lifetime. This condition serves as a reminder that efforts to create safe and equitable spaces for women need to be strengthened through cooperation among various parties. “The government, through the Ministry of PPPA, continues to strive to open more spaces, strengthen protection, and ensure women can empower themselves optimally. Therefore, strong collaboration is needed among ministries/institutions, the business world, society, and the media,” she said. Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Creative Economy Irene Umar emphasised the importance of women’s solidarity to advance together. “It’s not just about self-confidence; women also need to hold hands, step forward together, and dare to shine and become leaders,” said Irene. The Women’s Inspiration Award 2026 presented the main Woman of Inspiration award to House of Representatives Speaker Puan Maharani, Commission IV Chair Siti Hediati Soeharto, and Deputy Head of the National Nutrition Agency Nanik S. Deyang. In addition, social impact women awards were given to seven regional heads, as well as women drivers in the business sector, influencers, and SMEs who are assessed to have significant contributions and broad impacts on society.