Jakarta (ANTARA) – Women’s Empowerment and Children Protection Minister Bintang Puspayoga emphasized that women played a crucial role in pursuing gender equality and sustainable development.

“Women’s involvement in promoting change and taking part in decision-making are also important aspects in pursuing gender equality and encouraging sustainable development,” the minister stated during an event titled “2023 Indonesian Women Gatra Citra Award” here on Friday.

To create social inclusiveness and promote such gender equality and equity, the ministry consistently collaborates with several stakeholders to address challenges that impede women’s progress across Indonesia, she noted.

Leadership capacity is also being improved in order to enable women to have greater courage in participating as well as voicing their aspirations in all aspects and scales of development.

“Collaboration among governments, public figures, religious figures, political figures, mass organizations, and women’s organizations is essential to emulate gender equality; ensure effective and efficient policies focused on women’s protection; and continuously create empowered women,” she elaborated.

t the event, the minister handed out awards to 14 women.

Puspayoga expected that the award would motivate more women to inspire others as well as push towards change for facilitating their empowerment and gender equality.

“Through this awarding, we expect that there will be more great women who, not only become an inspiration for all of us but also become the agents of change that contribute to (the progress in) women’s empowerment and gender equality in many aspects,” she affirmed.

The event is held through collaboration among the ministry, Yayasan Duta Indonesia Maju (Foundation of Developed Indonesia Ambassador), and Gatra Media Group.

Founder Yayasan Duta Indonesia Maju Lisa Ayodia noted that the awards were bestowed to demonstrate the extent of women’s contributions and efforts in areas, such as medical science, nationalism, clean and green energy, environment, education, and retail.

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Source: Antara News Agency