FM Retno Shines Light on Challenges Women Face in Asean
Jakarta. Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi has highlighted the importance of supporting women in Southeast Asia to solve various challenges they face, such as income disparity and poor access to higher education.
Speaking at a meeting in Manila on Sunday (06/08), Retno said women play a crucial role in the success of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean).
"Women are a major force behind Asean's success as one of the world's greatest economies, but they still face many challenges as they continue to advance the region," the minister said, as quoted in a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Retno said the income gap, vulnerability to exploitation in the informal sector, and difficulties to access capital and market information are some challenges women face in the region. Asean member states should therefore step up their cooperation to address these common issues.
Women make up for more than half of the total population and make a significant contribution as owners of small and medium enterprises, which Retno said is a bedrock of the Asean economy.
Speaking during the Asean Women in Business Breakfast Meeting on the sidelines of the Asean Ministerial Meeting, Retno said the bloc must also consider increasing training and financial access for women-run businesses, encouraging women to attend college and fostering better cooperation with private companies as part of efforts to create a favorable work environment for women and mothers.
As the only female foreign minister in Asean and representing one of its founding countries, Retno's role in putting women's issues on the agenda is imperative to address the various challenges women face in Asean, which should not be limited to economic issues.
She also touched on the importance of protecting female migrant workers from Asean, many of whom are vulnerable to sexual exploitation and human trafficking.
The bloc has yet to reach consensus on the adoption of the Asean Declaration on the Promotion and Protection of Migrant Workers' Rights. If adopted, this will be key to providing protection for all migrant workers in the region.
Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop and Philippine Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano also attended the meeting.
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