Women’s Reproductive and Maternity Rights at Work Emphasised by Minister

The enactment of the Employment Protection Law is an important step towards ensuring women workers receive comprehensive protection and have their rights fulfilled.

Jakarta (ANTARA) – Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Minister Arifah Fauzi stressed the importance of strengthening protection for women workers by upholding their reproductive and maternity rights and ensuring equal opportunities in the workplace.

“The enactment of the Employment Protection Law is an important step towards ensuring women workers receive comprehensive protection and have their rights fulfilled, from access to employment and skills and career development to opportunities to hold strategic positions, as well as the fulfilment of reproductive and maternity rights,” Minister Arifah Fauzi said in a statement in Jakarta on Thursday.

Her ministry welcomed provisions in the law that recognise the principles of inclusivity, non-discrimination and equal opportunity for women at work.

Requirements for facilities and leave for workers have also been aligned with the Mother and Child Welfare Law during the First 1,000 Days of Life (UU KIA). These include breastfeeding rooms and facilities, menstrual leave, maternity leave and miscarriage leave, as well as the fulfilment of wage entitlements.

The protections also prohibit restrictions or differential treatment based on marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or miscarriage. They include a ban on assigning pregnant women to high-risk work that could endanger their pregnancies.

“Women workers’ rights must be accompanied by a safe working environment. Preventing violence and bullying at work is therefore essential, including a zero-tolerance approach to violence and sexual harassment, and accessible internal complaints mechanisms for workers,” the minister said.

She said strengthening a family-friendly work environment was essential to ensuring women could work safely and sustainably.