RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Calls for women’s participation in shaping peace and equality took center stage in Bali as the provincial Family Welfare Empowerment Movement (PKK) joined the Australian Consulate General in marking International Women’s Day on Thursday, March 12, 2026.

PKK Bali Chair Putri Suastini Koster urged women to speak out for peace amid ongoing global conflicts and crises. “War is everywhere, but we want this world to be peaceful. Let us raise our voices for peace,” she said during the event in Sanur, Denpasar, Bali, as quoted by Antara.

Putri expressed concern over the impact of geopolitical tensions, noting that women and children often bear the brunt of instability. She emphasized the need to strengthen women’s capacity and integrity to meet challenges while advancing gender equality.

Echoing her remarks, Australian Consul General Joe Stevens highlighted the significance of women’s voices in peacebuilding, pointing out that nearly half of the world’s population is female. He also stressed that women remain vulnerable to climate change and humanitarian crises, which disproportionately affect them through displacement and higher mortality rates.

Stevens underscored the importance of equal access to healthcare, employment, and economic opportunities. “Gender equality drives stability, prosperity, and safer communities, benefiting everyone," Stevens said, adding that in 2025, Australia launched a gender equality strategy focused on ending violence, promoting economic parity, and supporting local approaches to women’s leadership.

The commemoration also featured discussions on equality and women’s roles, attended by NGOs, women’s groups, and female entrepreneurs.

Bali’s Social Affairs, Women’s Empowerment, and Child Protection Agency Head Anak Agung Sagung Mas Dwipayani noted that Bali ranks among the provinces with the lowest gender gap in Indonesia. Citing data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), she said Bali’s gender inequality index in 2025 stood at 0.183, the third-best nationally. ***