RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesian Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (KemenPPPA) Ministry has highlighted the persistent challenges faced by women in public life, including discrimination, gender stereotypes, and structural barriers to leadership.

“To overcome these challenges, women need to be assertive and honest while upholding ethical values and integrity,” said Amurwani Dwi Lestariningsih, Deputy for Gender Equality at KemenPPPA, during a virtual Inspiring Talkshow titled Kartini Inspires: Independent Spirit, Firm Integrity, held at the RA Kartini Museum Hall in Rembang, Central Java, on Monday, April 20, 2026.

Amurwani emphasized that women play a vital role in shaping the foundation of families, particularly in instilling values of integrity that are passed down through generations. She noted that the family serves as the first space for character formation, making women’s role strategic in nurturing a generation with integrity.

The Financial Services Authority (OJK) is also promoting an integrity-based culture in the public sector and the financial services sector, inspired by the spirit of Raden Ajeng Kartini.

Chairperson of the Audit Board and Member of the OJK Board of Commissioners, Sophia Wattimena, underscored women’s strategic role in strengthening governance. However, she acknowledged that issues of equality and gender-based violence remain pressing concerns.

She explained that women contribute to building integrity through their roles in families and communities, serving as role models in social life and household financial management.

“Around 57 percent of civil servants are women. However, there were more than 1,000 cases of gender-based violence throughout 2025, with about 80 percent of the victims being women,” she said.

On Kartini Day, the government seeks to reinforce women’s roles across various fields, aiming to advance national development rooted in integrity.

Kartini Day commemorates the legacy of Raden Ajeng Kartini, a pioneer of women’s emancipation in Indonesia, who was born on April 21, 1879. (Misni Parjiati/Lasti Martina)