Media Release
30 October 2017
Australia’s Ambassador for Women and Girls, Dr Sharman Stone has begun her first visit to Indonesia since taking up the post earlier this year.
In Jakarta Dr Stone will meet Minister for Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Professor Yohana Yembise, members of parliament, prominent Indonesian women business leaders, community groups and Australian alumni.
The discussions are expected to focus on health issues, support for migrant workers and empowering women in small business. During her time in Jakarta she will also visit a women’s cooperative in Tangerang which is supported by Australia through the Peduli program. The cooperative enables women to become involved in local government decision-making and assists them set up small businesses.
Dr Stone will also join ASEAN Ambassadors to discuss the role of women in enhancing regional security and prosperity.
On 1 November Dr Stone will travel to Makassar, South Sulawesi to meet with Islamic women leaders and regional government representatives.
In South Sulawesi Dr Stone will visit communities campaigning to end early and forced marriages for young girls through the Australia Indonesia Partnership for Justice’s programs. She will also meet women’s groups and local government partners working to promote women’s health services and legal recognition through identity documents – programs delivered through Empowering Indonesian Women for Poverty Reduction (MAMPU) and Governance for Growth (KOMPAK).
Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, Paul Grigson, said this week’s visit would be a valuable opportunity to discuss how Australia and Indonesia can continue to work together to help women and their families access key services and participate in the economy.
Australia works closely with the Government of Indonesia to promote women in leadership, women’s economic empowerment and ending violence against women. Gender equality is central to economic and human development and a fundamental right. It helps to address the root causes of instability and conflict, drives economic growth, reduces poverty and builds resilience.
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