MPR Deputy Speaker Calls for International Women's Day Moment to Strengthen Equality

Deputy Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly of the Republic of Indonesia (MPR RI), Lestari Moerdijat (Rerie), views International Women’s Day (IWD) as an important moment to strengthen awareness of equality and justice for women. ‘International Women’s Day is a moment for every citizen to recognise the importance of gender equality and justice for women,’ she said in a written statement on Sunday, 8 March 2026. She stressed that realising gender equality cannot proceed in isolation without the support of various parties and policies with structural impact in society. ‘Care for justice and gender equality for women cannot be fully realised unless supported by all parties and policies with structural impact in society,’ she added. The IWD 2026 theme is ‘Give To Gain’ (Giving to Obtain), emphasising the power of collaboration, generosity, and social investment to drive gender equality. According to Rerie, this year’s IWD also falls during Ramadan, making it a timely moment to reaffirm values of empathy, justice, and social care. She argues that these values remind us that the struggle to realise gender equality is not solely the government’s responsibility, but the duty of all elements of society. She regards IWD not merely as a celebration but as a space for reflection on the challenges still faced by women across sectors, from the economy and politics to protection from violence. Based on the 2025 Global Gender Gap Report released by the World Economic Forum, Indonesia’s gender gap score stood at 0.692 and placed Indonesia 97th out of 148 countries. Furthermore, the 2024 National Survey on Women’s Life Experiences (SPHPN) shows that one in four women aged 15–64 in Indonesia has experienced physical or sexual violence at some point in their lives. According to Rerie, who is also a member of Commission X of the DPR RI, these findings indicate that gender equality and protection of women remain crucial issues requiring serious attention. The NasDem Party’s Upper House member hopes this year’s IWD momentum will strengthen collective awareness to accelerate the realisation of justice and equal opportunities for Indonesian women.