Foreign Minister Retno Says Half of the World's Population Are Women, But Empowerment and Equality Are Far From Ideal

Foreign Minister Retno at the UN DK meeting. (Source: Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

JAKARTA - Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said that women are the first victims in every world conflict, with unequal empowerment and equality, even though their population makes up half the world.

This was conveyed by Foreign Minister Retno in an open debate by the UN Security Council regarding women's participation in international peace and security at UN Headquarters, New York, United States, Wednesday local time.

"Women make up half of the world's population. Therefore, women are an inseparable part of solutions and effective peace agents," said Foreign Minister Retno, in a statement from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Wednesday, October 26.

In activities initiated by Brazil as President of the UN Security Council, Foreign Minister Retno revealed that more than 60 percent of the victims of violence in Gaza were women and children.

According to her, this condition shows the reality of the world today, where women are always victims in every violent conflict.

"I must say honestly, although there have been global efforts to empower and equal women, the reality is still far from ideal," said Foreign Minister Retno.

In various parts of the world, he continued, women are the first victims of every conflict. This phenomenon must raise awareness of all parties to pay greater attention to the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda.

For this reason, she said, there are three things that need to be encouraged.

First, reviving basic understanding regarding women's participation. Empowering and embracing women should not be seen as a burden, but should be seen as an investment, which must become a global standard.

"Women's empowerment and participation in the economic, social and political sectors will strengthen community resilience and contribute to peace. This is me

"see for yourself, including through the positive contribution of female personnel in peace missions in the field," she explained.

Second, encouraging women's leadership in the peace process. She said, data shows that women's participation increases the chances of achieving this

peace negotiations.

However, in reality, women are underrepresented in the peace process and are often not equipped with the ability to play a role in conflict situations.

"Therefore, we must invest more, including in the UN system, to ensure a safe and conducive environment for women so that they can successfully play a role in the global peace process," explained Foreign Minister Retno.

Third, advancing education for women. According to Foreign Minister Retno, education plays a key role in increasing the role of women in society.

However, more than 80 percent of school-aged women in Afghanistan do not attend school. This is very worrying. Inclusive education is an important foundation for a better future for Afghanistan.

"Therefore, Indonesia is working hard to advance access to education for Afghan women," said Foreign Minister Retno.

She added that Indonesia is also committed to providing scholarships and training for Afghan women, as well as continuing to contribute to building a conducive environment for lasting peace in Afghanistan.

"Global peace and security can only be realized with the role of women. Indonesia will continue to be at the forefront of this effort for a better world for all of us, including women," concluded Foreign Minister Retno.