Minister Of PPPA: Women's Participation In The Peace Process Improves Effectiveness

Minister of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA) I Gusti Ayu Bintang Darmawati. (Between)

JAKARTA - Minister of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA) I Gusti Ayu Bintang Darmawati emphasized that women should not be left behind in the agenda of peace and security.

"Women are strong peace activists and qualified negotiators," said Minister Bintang when giving a speech at the ASEAN Women Peace and Security (WPS) Summit conference in Yogyakarta, Thursday, July 6, which was confiscated by Antara.

In the conference themed "High Level Dialogue to Advance the Implementation of the Regional Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security", the Minister of Stars said the conflict had a deep, often disproportionate effect on women and girls. They are more vulnerable to gender-based violence exacerbated by conflict.

"And therefore, women's participation is very meaningful in the peace process increasing the effectiveness, legitimacy, and sustainability of peace," said Minister Bintang.

Minister Bintang assessed that women have natural sensitivity that can build mutual respect and inclusiveness among various groups.

He added that women also bring unique perspectives, experiences, and skills that often focus on healing and community reconciliation.

However, he continued, in preventing conflicts, peace negotiations, and post-conflict reconstruction, women are often seen as weak and their voices are often underestimated.

As the host of ASEAN Chairship, Minister Bintang said that Indonesia had chosen the theme "ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth" which symbolizes Indonesia's commitment to increasing the significance and relevance of ASEAN in the region and on the global stage.

He hopes that this ASEAN WPS conference can strengthen commitments and collaborative actions to fully advance the agenda of women, peace and security.

"Let's identify concrete and concrete steps on how women implement peace and security that will bring transformative changes across ASEAN," he said.

He believes that when women are empowered and children are well protected, welfare will be available to all.