IAPF Highlights Shared Commitment to Women’s Economic Empowerment

Nusa Dua, Bali — The recent Indonesia-Africa Parliamentary Forum (IAPF) brought to the forefront a shared commitment to advancing women’s economic empowerment as a key driver for sustainable development. Held in Nusa Dua, Bali, the forum emphasized the crucial role that empowering women plays in fostering inclusive and equitable societies.

Commitment to Women’s Participation

During the forum, Speaker of the House of Representatives (DPR) Puan Maharani underscored the importance of increasing women’s involvement in both economic and political spheres. Maharani highlighted that women’s full participation is essential not only for achieving gender equality but also for driving societal progress.

“Providing women with access to education, training, and financial resources is vital,” Maharani stated. “The IAPF serves as an invaluable platform for Indonesia and Africa to exchange ideas and explore collaborations that focus on women’s empowerment.”

Empowering Women through Social Enterprises

One notable example discussed at the forum was Du Anyam, a social enterprise that has made significant strides in empowering women across Indonesia. Founded by Hanna Keraf, Du Anyam has trained over 1,600 women in 54 villages across East Nusa Tenggara, South Kalimantan, and Papua to produce handicrafts. This initiative not only provides women with essential skills but also revitalizes local economies by creating sustainable livelihoods.

“Women who are empowered with skills and opportunities can make impactful decisions for themselves and contribute significantly to the economy,” Keraf said. Her enterprise’s success underscores the transformative power of investing in women’s capabilities.

Lessons and Opportunities for Africa

The discussions and presentations at the IAPF highlighted that the success of initiatives like Du Anyam offers valuable lessons for other regions, including Africa. By prioritizing women’s empowerment, governments and businesses can unlock new avenues for economic growth and social development.

The forum’s focus on women’s empowerment reflects a shared belief between Indonesia and Africa that empowering women is fundamental to building more inclusive and prosperous societies.

Looking Ahead

As the IAPF concluded, the shared vision and commitment to women’s economic empowerment set a strong foundation for future collaborations between Indonesia and African nations. Both regions are poised to leverage these insights to drive sustainable development and foster environments where women can thrive.

Nusa Dua, Bali — The Indonesia-Africa Parliamentary Forum (IAPF) recently convened in Nusa Dua, Bali, spotlighting a united commitment to advancing women’s economic empowerment as a key element for sustainable development.

Speaker Puan Maharani’s Vision

At the forum, Speaker of the House of Representatives (DPR) Puan Maharani emphasized the necessity of increasing women’s participation in economic and political spheres. She called for enhanced efforts to provide women with better access to education, training, and financial resources, underscoring that such empowerment is crucial for fostering inclusive and equitable societies.

Success Stories and Collaborative Efforts

One notable success highlighted was Du Anyam, a social enterprise that has trained over 1,600 women in rural areas of Indonesia, including East Nusa Tenggara, South Kalimantan, and Papua. By teaching women to produce handicrafts, Du Anyam has not only empowered these individuals but also contributed to the economic revitalization of their communities.

Du Anyam’s founder, Hanna Keraf, shared how the enterprise’s work is a testament to the positive impact of investing in women’s skills and opportunities. “Empowered women can drive significant economic growth and make substantial decisions for their communities,” Keraf said.

Implications for Africa and Beyond

The forum’s discussions highlighted how Indonesia’s success stories offer valuable lessons for African countries. The emphasis on women’s empowerment is seen as a pivotal strategy for unlocking new economic opportunities and fostering social progress. Both Indonesia and Africa are poised to collaborate and build on these insights to drive mutual development.

Future Directions

The IAPF reaffirmed the importance of cross-regional cooperation in advancing women’s empowerment. As both Indonesia and Africa work towards achieving these goals, the forum served as a platform for sharing strategies and fostering partnerships that will contribute to broader economic and social development.