Women’s Basic Needs Should Be Considered in Policymaking, Says Ministry

Jakarta (ANTARA) – Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Minister Arifah Fauzi has pledged to continue advocating for gender equality and the impact of policies on meeting women’s basic needs—including menstrual hygiene products—to be considered in policymaking across sectors.

“Menstruation is a natural biological process that forms part of women’s reproductive cycle, occurs regularly and cannot be avoided. Support from many parties is therefore needed to ensure access to safe, adequate and affordable menstrual hygiene products, particularly for people from lower socio-economic groups,” Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Minister Arifah Fauzi said in Jakarta on Sunday.

She said sanitary pads and other menstrual products are basic needs for women and an important part of fulfilling their reproductive health rights.

The minister stressed the importance of taking women’s specific needs into account when formulating every policy.

Policies on menstrual hygiene products are expected to incorporate a gender perspective and address women’s needs, thereby supporting equal access to reproductive health rights and women’s wellbeing.

She said these efforts were important for building healthier families, a more inclusive society, and a more equal and prosperous Indonesia.

“Meeting women’s basic or specific needs means ensuring that women can live healthy, safe, productive and dignified lives. When women’s needs are considered in every policy, we are in fact building healthier families, a more inclusive society, and a more equal and prosperous Indonesia,” Minister Arifah Fauzi said.