Gender Equality Values Must Start At Home

JAKARTA - The values of gender equality are not just public discourse, this value needs to be realized since the family environment, aka home.

The parenting and values taught to children from an early age will determine their perspective on the role of women and men in the future.

If boys and girls grow up with equal opportunities, then the gender gap will be even smaller. Inclusive and fair education in the family environment is the main foundation so that every individual, regardless of gender, can develop and achieve its potential.

Deputy Minister of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA), Veronica Tan, emphasized that families have a crucial role in instilling the value of equality from an early age.

"The spirit of RA Kartini's struggle remains alive to this day, and one concrete form of continuing it is to get used to both boys and girls to dream and aspire to heights since childhood," he explained, as quoted by ANTARA.

He made this statement in an activity with the theme Inspirations of Kartini: Smart, Empowered, and Integrity Towards a Golden Indonesia. In the event, Veronica invited Indonesian women to continue to develop, dare to pursue their dreams, and realize their strengths and potentials.

"Often times, women are actually extraordinary, but they don't realize their own strength or feel less confident," said Veronica. He reminded the importance of creating space and support so that women can appear and play an active role in various areas of life.

Commemoration of Kartini Day is also a reflecting moment to renew enthusiasm in fighting for gender justice and increasing women's empowerment, which is an important part of building the nation's future towards Golden Indonesia.

The same thing was conveyed by the Chairman of the Audit Council as well as Member of the Board of Commissioners of the Financial Services Authority (OJK), Sophia Wattimena. He emphasized that the role of women is very significant in creating a just and prosperous society. However, there are still structural obstacles that hinder women's progress, especially in the fields of education and economy.

"Based on the results of various surveys, the level of women's education participation is still lower than that of men. This limitation has a direct impact on the low job opportunities and women's income," Sophia said.

He added that to create real equality, there needs to be a systemic improvement in accessing women's education and economic empowerment. This is a shared challenge that requires cross-sectoral cooperation and a sustainable commitment from all elements of society.