Topic:
Country: Indonesia
Delegate Name: Jasmine Mand
United Nations Women
Access to Education for Women and Girls
The Republic of Indonesia
Jasmine Mand
Forest Hills Eastern High School
Across the world, there are many girls and women that lack education. About 129 million girls are out of school. In countries with conflict and crisis, women are twice as likely to not go to school and do household chores instead. Women in these countries face poverty, gender-based violence, and gender stereotypes. If women are allowed to go to school, schools may be unsafe as they could have gender-biased teaching methods, which goes against human rights. Girls who receive an education are less likely to go through child marriage, earn a higher income, lead healthy lives, and decrease child stunting. With everyone receiving an education, inequality will decrease. The United Nations (UN) has made equal education for women and girls a part of its development goals.
In Indonesia, education for women and girls is a major issue. Indonesia has gender-biased textbooks and gender stereotypes. However, Indonesia has improved access to education for girls by making policies for a more gender-equitable society. In 2019, Indonesia received more gender parity in education with a GPI of 1.00 in school enrollment. Indonesia launched the National Action Plan (NAP) to provide women empowerment, which protects women and children from conflicts and bigger influences. Indonesia also partnered up with the World Bank to create a project for education. As a result, the girls of Indonesia won the UNESCO prize. This focused on giving women more opportunities and confidence to achieve their goals. Also, Indonesia has implemented laws to decrease inequality for women. The government of Indonesia supports women’s recognition. Additionally, they signed all the conventions to eliminate discrimination against women in 1984.
Indonesia still needs to take greater action in this situation. Girls with child marriages receive no education. Indonesia encourages UN Women to focus on equal rights for women to be able to have a complete education. Indonesia recommends increasing participation and leadership for women. The participation of women leads to gender equality and diverse opinions. Countries willing to support should provide funds to not violate women’s and girls’ rights.
