IKWI Reminds Women's Role In The 2024 Election, Minister Of PPPA Issues Gender Equality

JAKARTA - In commemoration of the 2024 National Press Day (HPN) which falls on February 9, the Indonesian Journalists Family Association (IKWI) held a seminar with the theme "Women's Role in Elections." This seminar was held at the Central IKWI Secretariat, the Press Council Building, Kebon Sirih, Jakarta, on Wednesday, January 17, involving IKWI administrators from 23 provinces online and offline.

PWI Chairman Hendry Ch Bangun expressed his support for IKWI, as the supervisor who helped develop this organization. Hendry Ch Bangun emphasized the importance of the role of women in the election and presidential election, in line with the nation's vision.

Meanwhile, the General Chairperson of the Central IKWI, Andi Dasmawati, Ph.D, explained that this seminar aims to raise the enthusiasm and participation of women in the election. In this context, she highlighted the representation of women who should have reached 30 percent according to the regulations of the Election Law.

"IKWI must actively fulfill women's quota by encouraging awareness among members and the public to voice the interests of women," said Andi Dasmawati.

Expert Staff for Law and Human Rights (HAM) of the Ministry of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA) Indra Gunawan, who was present on behalf of the Minister of PPPA Bintang Puspayoga, welcomed this seminar. He appreciated IKWI's role in raising women's issues in politics and women's contribution in strengthening the nation's vision.

However, Indra Gunawan highlighted the challenges of gender inequality in politics, especially the lack of representation of women in parliament. "The Ministry of PPPA continues to encourage women's representation in policy making in parliament and government," he hoped.

Director of Polytechnic STIA LAN Jakarta, Prof. Dr. Nurliah Nurdin, MA, emphasized the great potential of female voters in the 2024 General Election. He emphasized the need for women to be subjects, not objects, in politics and national development. Nurliah Nurdin hopes that women will become smart voters and election supervisors who reject money politics, to ensure that leaders who are able to accommodate women's voices in various sectors of life.

All speakers agreed that the 2024 election is an important momentum to encourage public policy with a female perspective, including reproductive health, maternal mortality, child care, female labor, and other issues related to women's welfare.