Puan: Women Are Not Objects, But Subjects

House of Representatives Speaker Puan Maharani has emphasised that women today can no longer be viewed as objects. Puan stated that women today are subjects who must actively determine the nation’s direction.

The statement was delivered by Puan at The Big Idea Forum (TBIF) on Kartini Day, themed ‘Women’s Power: Nurturing Life, Leading Change’, which took place on Thursday (16/4).

“Today, on Kartini Day, we must always reaffirm that women are not objects. Rather, they are active subjects who help determine the course of Indonesia’s journey,” said Puan in her opening speech.

According to Puan, all parties must continue to emphasise including women in the development process not merely as affirmative policy. However, it is an acknowledgement of human dignity and honour.

She reiterated that women have different life experiences from men. Women’s life experiences now serve as a synonym or equivalent to nurturing life.

However, Puan said, the term nurturing life cannot be reduced to domestic issues unrelated to the nation’s progress. Because women’s roles in various fields cannot be doubted.

“What we need to do now is to ensure that women’s unique life experiences are always present in various decision-making processes that will determine this nation’s positive changes,” stated Puan.

CNN Indonesia once again held The Big Idea Forum (TBIF), this time with the theme ‘Women’s Power: Nurturing Life, Leading Change’.

The forum was held at CNN Indonesia Studio 2, Transmedia Building, Jalan Kapten Tendean Kav 12-14A, Jakarta 12790, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM WIB.

Several speakers at the forum included House Speaker Puan Maharani and Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Meutya Hafid.

Panelists included Deputy Minister for Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Veronica Tan, North Maluku Governor Sherly Tjoanda, scientist Prof. Carina Citra Dewi Joe, aesthetics and skincare practitioner dr. Ayu Widyaningrum, and Semarang Mayor Agustina Wilujeng Pramestuti.