Stop
Sexism! Support the Role of Women in Economic Development!
By Dian Asmi Setoningsih
(Juara Harapan essai Internasional Tema Women & Gender Equality)
The nature of women as housewives is
still one of the common stigmas in society that can trigger sexism. In the Big Indonesian
Dictionary, sexism is defined as the use of words or phrases that belittle or
humiliate concerning groups, gender, or individuals. This word may sound
strange, but many people have done it without realizing it.
Women are often connoted as domestic
workers who are seen as unable to contribute actively outside the home so their
main role is no more than just being a housewife. Because of this, before the
emancipation period, many strategic positions were not reserved for women in
the world of work. Women are also often considered inappropriate to be leaders
because they are judged to always use feelings in making decisions. This stigma
has long been believed to be true.
Therefore, women are often
discriminated in society. We often encounter demonstrations demanding gender
equality and behaviour that does not demean women because women want to be free
and independent. Free from the assumption of weakness and gender inequality.
Woman Self-Actualization
Like men, women also have dreams,
potential, and ambitions that they want to achieve in their lives. Men and
women are both equipped with talent and intelligence. In this era of
emancipation, there is no longer any reason to doubt women's abilities. In the
1900s, Raden Ajeng Kartini struggled alone to eradicate traditions that limited
women. Today there have been many changes in government policies that have
opened up opportunities for women to take part in the world of careers whose
equality is equated with men. This opportunity is used by women to actualize
themselves. Many women have careers either from outside or inside the house.
According to a report from the
Central Statistics Agency (BPS), there was a growth in the number of female
workers from 2018 to 2019. In 2018, 47.95 million women were recorded as
working and this increased a year later to 48.75 million people. Female workers
play the most role as service business workers whose dominance reaches 58.05%
compared to men. It is estimated that this condition increases by around 0.87%
annually. Now in various industries, female and male employees are starting to
be treated the same. No one is belittled, everyone gets their rights, and is
entitled to hold a high position following their abilities and performance.
The Role of Women in Economic Development
Women can be a force in all
components of this civilization, including in the economic field. In the past,
men played a major role in taking on financial responsibilities on which women
depended financially, but now more and more women are helping to carry out
these economic responsibilities. Today, many people are aware of improving
their standard of living. It is this awareness that initiates women to actively
engage in family economic rights.
Based on Data on the Development of
Micro, Small, Medium, and Large Enterprises in Indonesia in 2014-2018, where
around 60% of these MSMEs are managed by women, the majority of whom control 3
sectors, namely fashion, culinary, and craft, which is a creative economic
sector. (data source: 2017-2018 MSME Data Development, Ministry of Cooperatives
and SMEs, July 2020).
The role and participation of women
should be accepted and appreciated as an acknowledgment that women also have
the right and ability to work like men. In general, women are encouraged to
make a living because of the demands of the household economy. Whether it's
because the husband's income alone is not enough to meet family needs or
because family expenses are constantly increasing, for example, the increasing
number of children and the high cost of educating children, while the husband's
income does not always increase.
The Minister of Finance, Sri Mulyani
Indrawati, when she was the main speaker at the National Seminar on Islamic
Economics and Finance on 21 April 2021, also expressed the importance of
empowering women. Women's capacity to think smart, secure funds for the family,
and invest in productive fields is very potential and real. So, there is no
question to doubt that women not only have potential but can contribute to
economic development to our country.
Profil Penulis
Dian Asmi Setoningsih is a highly motivated educator and learner in enhancing her professional development and leadership competencies. This 29-year-old woman pursues her goals to stay active in sharing her voice by writing in several Indonesian news media such as Koran Sindo, Kompas Indonesia & Kopi Times Indonesia, or by joining essay and article contests. She is a teacher in a leading International Islamic school called Thursina IIBS Malang. She loves teaching and writing. She would love to keep learning & upgrading herself to be a better teacher, writer & lifelong learner.
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