Chelsea Islan: We Need More Female Decision Makers

JAKARTA - On International Women's Day, Indonesian actress and UNDP Indonesia's SDGs Mover, Chelsea Islan, called for more inspirational female figures to help Indonesian women and girls achieve their dreams.

"We need more female figures in decision-making positions, especially regarding current important issues, such as the issue of climate change, health and economic recovery in the pandemic era, and the issue of equality," Chelsea said.

Chelsea said that young people need an inspirational figure who is able to be an example, especially in providing direction for a better future.

"By watching strong women in their leadership, young people in Indonesia, especially girls, will be able to dream and achieve their dreams," said Chelsea.

In addition, the actress of 3 Srikandi films also joined the social media campaign led by the United Nations in Indonesia (UNDP) to eliminate the practice of 'all males panels' or public panel discussions without women.

"It is very important to have more representatives of women in the decision-making process so that they can inspire women and other young women to take action and achieve," said Chelsea.

Chelsea's call is part of UNDP Indonesia's strong commitment to promoting gender equality in Indonesia.

"UNDP is strongly committed to implementing gender equality and supporting women's leadership in the development, including in the decision-making process," said UNDP Indonesia Representative Norimasa Shimomura.

Chelsea Islan has been appointed by UNDP Indonesia since 2018 to become the SDGs Mover or a figurehead for the issue of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Chelsea's appointment was driven by her achievements in the art world as well as her concern and advocacy in the field of development, especially on issues of gender equality, climate change, and poverty alleviation.