JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – Indonesian Finance Minister Sri Mulyani encouraged girls and women in Indonesia to remain resilient in a world that continues to put women second.
Sri said that several countries around the world, including Indonesia, rank women in unclear positions that do not benefit them.
Stating a World Bank study, Sri said that over 150 countries have laws in place which put women at a disadvantage.
“Women in Indonesia and in other parts of the world come second because of cultural norms, religion, or other reasons that make it unclear on where a woman stands in society.”
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The Finance Minister touched upon gender inequality issues, saying that in some countries, when a baby girl is born, the parents are not guaranteed to be given a birth certificate.
Furthermore, other countries do not prioritize women when it comes to immunization measures.
In the familial unit, the practice of gender inequality rings familiar where poorer families tend to put the educational needs of the sons before the daughters.
“The same practices are also upheld when it comes to working where women are not allowed to have houses, stores, or businesses under their name, but it must under a male person. That makes it difficult for women to attain bank loans."
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Due to the imposed roles of women in Indonesia and gender inequality in many parts of the globe, women must sacrifice a lot, but because of the struggles brought upon them, Sri Mulyani said it is crucial that girls and women do not give up easily.
“We cannot give in or be quick to surrender because we have plenty of obstacles to overcome. Giving up is often viewed as a common answer.”
“We cannot ever give up chasing our dreams or pursuing our activities. It takes resilience, a fighting spirit, determination, and grit. There is a lot that women have to face, and the truth is, it is not easy to be a woman. I can assure you that.”
(Writer: Mutia Fauzia | Editor: Erlangga Djumena)
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