House Speaker Puan Maharani speaks at the 8th G20 Parliamentary Speakers Summit (P20) in Jakarta, 6/10/2022 . (ANTARA/Melalusa Susthira K.)
These efforts need to be reflected in every decision-making process in social, political, and economic structuresSpeaker of Indonesia's House of Representatives Puan Maharani underscored the importance of access to education for women in a bid to maintain gender equality in a session she headed during the 8th G20 Parliamentary Speakers’ Summit (P20).
In one of P20’s discussion sessions themed "Social Inclusion, Gender Equality, and Women Empowerment" here, Friday, the House speaker said that efforts to promote the issues included in the theme should be embedded in several elements.
“These efforts need to be reflected in every decision-making process in social, political, and economic structures,” she remarked.
The speaker further pointed out that progress in gender equality has taken a hit due to geopolitical conflicts and other global challenges. It has become more challenging for women to participate in politics, to have access to the economy and education, and to have health and safety security.
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Maharani believes that women play an important role as the agents of change in economy, social, and cultural settings, and that such a role should be encouraged further.
The speaker noted that education also played a vital role in building awareness for gender equality as well as to abolish discrimination against women.
“Apart for that, one of the most important aspects is for leadership and the role of women in decision-making processes to be further encouraged,” she stated.
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The United Nation’s Gender Equality Index, as cited by Maharani, showed that in 2012, some 95 percent of women in the world have had secondary education, whilst 57.7 percent have been absorbed into the labor market. However, only 39.7 percent have seats in the parliament.
“Political participation is important for women in the efforts for protection and safeguarding against discrimination and violence, including trafficking,” she stated.
The 8th G20 Parliamentary Speakers’ Summit (P20) was held in Jakarta on October 5-7, bearing the theme of "Stronger Parliament for Sustainable Recovery."
The event was officially opened by Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Thursday .
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