Indonesia Holds Afghanistan Women's International Conference Of Education, Foreign Minister Retno: We Must Do Something

Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi. (Twitter/@Kemlu_RI)

JAKARTA - Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi believes investment in women is an investment for a brighter future, with women being able to make an important contribution.

This was said by Foreign Minister Retno when giving a press statement with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Qatar Lolwah Rashid Al-Khater, after the closing of the 'International Conference on Afghan's Women Education' (ICAWE) at the Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center, Bali, which was held by Indonesia with Qatar.

"This is the first international conference on this issue, showing strong collective and concerted international efforts," Foreign Minister Retno said in a press statement Thursday, December 8.

"I am very confident that investing in women means investing in a brighter future. With the opportunity, women can make an important contribution to society," said Foreign Minister Retno.

According to UN Women, Foreign Minister Retno continued, more than 11 million Afghan women and girls desperately need humanitarian assistance.

And, data from UNDP states that restrictions on women could cost Afghanistan the economy $1 billion or 5 percent of its GDP, he said.

Not only that, the World Economic Forum 2021 Gender Welfare Index places Afghanistan at the last of 156 countries.

"With this situation, we cannot choose to remain silent, we must do something," said Foreign Minister Retno.

"During the discussion, I suggest three things to focus on this agenda. First, create conditions that are conducive to women's participation in society. Second, guarantee education for all. And third, mobilize international support," he explained.

It is known that the ICAWE event was attended by representatives from 38 countries, four international organizations, nine NGOs and businesses, as well as nine female and academic figures.

In addition, this conference also resulted in 'The Bali Message' which contains 10 points about women's and Afghan education.

Several important points from the 'The Bali Message' include strong support for each initiative to create a conducive environment for the realization of inclusive intra-Afghanistan dialogue, towards sustainable and lasting peace in Afghanistan.

Next, women and girls are the keys to Afghanistan's development, peace and prosperity. Ensuring full, equal and meaningful participation in society will allow Afghanistan to reach its full potential.

Then, there are strong calls and support for respecting the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan, including their right to education.

And, Afghanistan needs to continue to take the necessary steps to improve the quality of life of Afghan women and girls, maintaining the fulfillment of their basic rights, including the right to education.