5-7-2023 (JAKARTA) The Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection is expressing optimism regarding the potential for ASEAN-wide collaboration to expedite the implementation of the ASEAN Gender Mainstreaming Strategic Framework (AGMSF).
Highlighting the significance of collaborative efforts between ASEAN and its partners, Lenny N. Rosalin, the ministry’s deputy for gender equality, emphasized the importance of driving sustainable changes, enhancing gender equality, and empowering women and children in all spheres of life. Her statement came during the AGMSF Conference held in Jakarta on Tuesday (July 4).
Rosalin emphasized that the implementation of the framework should center around three key pillars: politics, economy, and society.
“An essential agenda for 2023 is the immediate realization of the ASEAN Committee on Women’s role in guiding the sectoral bodies of the three pillars towards substantial gender mainstreaming in policies, programs, and activities,” Rosalin explained.
To achieve effective gender mainstreaming, Rosalin stressed the need for the development of appropriate facilities and mechanisms, including the allocation of sufficient human resources.
“We must be prepared to ensure that by 2024, we are in the implementation phase,” Rosalin affirmed.
Acknowledging the challenges faced by sectoral bodies in implementing the AGMSF, including limited understanding of the framework and insufficient resources, the ministry’s official called for concerted efforts to expedite its implementation within ASEAN. This includes raising awareness about gender mainstreaming and strengthening the commitment and capacity of leaders and officials in sectoral and cross-sectoral bodies.
Additionally, fostering relevant cooperation and coordination is crucial for institutionalizing gender mainstreaming in the three pillars’ sectoral and cross-sectoral bodies.
“The AGMSF comprises three pillars: politics, economy, and social, and it is expected that each pillar will yield tangible outcomes in its implementation,” Rosalin remarked.
The AGMSF Conference serves as a follow-up to various ASEAN-level regional agendas organized by the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection during Indonesia’s 2023 ASEAN Chairmanship.
