Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno accentuated the notable role of women in the tourism and creative economy sectors at the W20 Summit.
At the opening of the W20 Summit at Lake Toba, North Sumatra, Tuesday, Uno affirmed that women had a role as the backbone of the tourism and creative economy sectors.
“Women are the backbone of the tourism and creative economy sectors. They are the great supporters of community welfare as well as the guardians of cultural heritage,” Uno remarked.
The W20 is one of the engagement groups within Indonesia’s G20 Presidency that forms the women’s empowerment network to encourage the adoption of G20’s commitment in women’s issues.
He later highlighted that globally, women constituted 54 percent of the workers in the tourism and creative economy sectors. In Indonesia, the number of female workers in this sector reached 55 percent.
Uno also highlighted the significant role of women by citing the example of Renny Manurung, a business owner of Dame Ulos from North Sumatra.
According to Uno, since 2014, Manurung had been acting as a bridge between the Ulos cloth industry and buyers from outside the island and also to various parts of the world.
“Manurung also does it to respect her ancestors. Ulos is part of the Batak tradition, and it cannot be separated. She is only one of the examples of the role of women in the tourism sector and the creative economy,” Uno stated.
The minister also underlined the important role of women in his ministry, starting with Angela Tanoesoedibjo as Deputy Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, as well as the formation of four of the six deputies led by women.
“I understand the very important role of women today. This year, the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy has achieved 60-percent leadership for women in our top ranks,” he remarked.
Sandi also admitted to feeling a sense of immense pride in the role of women in strengthening the nation and chairing the W20 meeting in the series of the Indonesian G20 Presidency.
“We are optimistic that recovery will occur together, stronger and, equal. We strongly support women to be able to unleash their full potential for the benefit of mankind,” Uno concluded.
Source: Antara News