To tackle women issues, G20 shifts sights to women's empowerment

Several G20 meetings under the Indonesian Presidency this year have raised the issue of women's empowerment in the economic sector, which is seen as the entry point for overcoming various problems affecting women and children.

Two G20 forums or side events that have emphasized women's empowerment are G20 Empower and Women 20 (W20). According to the Sherpa G20’s website, W20 is encouraging the adoption of G20 commitments on issues surrounding women's development, gender equality, inclusive growth, and women's cooperation in the international economic sector.

"If I can pull the 'common thread' (meaning the theme or characteristic), the issues raised at (G20) meetings all lead to the issue of how women's empowerment in the economic field is the entry point of next interventions," chairwoman of the Indonesian G20’s National Committee for the Ministerial Conference on Women's Empowerment (MCWE), Lenny N. Rosalin, said at the Medan Merdeka Barat 9 dialogue on Thursday, which was themed “Empowered Women to Recover Together.”

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G20 member countries have great concern for women's empowerment, which is reflected by the existence of engagement groups, such as G20 Empower and Women 20 (W20), that are discussing issues related to gender equality and women's empowerment, she added.

According to Rosalin, once women are economically empowered, many issues such as child marriage, child labor, and violence against women and children can be overcome.

The Indonesian Ministry of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection has been directed by the President to empower women in the economic sector, especially in the field of entrepreneurship from a gender perspective, she said.

"For example, (if a woman previously) has no business, then they (own) a business, how will the results of the business provide benefits, not only for them but also for their family?” Rosalin, who is also the deputy for gender equality at the ministry, added.

Furthermore, a prosperous family can provide good education to children, ensure their health, and prevent domestic violence, she said.