Kartini Day: City Council Emphasizes Strengthening Women's Protection

Kartini Day is a reminder that the fight for women’s equality is not fully finished. Even with much progress, there are still major challenges to ensure women have equal access in various areas.

Capital access needs to be bolstered

Jakarta City Council Commission B Member, Wa Ode Herlina highlighted the need for greater focus on women, specifically those running micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). While women are vital pillars of the family economy, they still lack sufficient access to funding.

"Women’s groups, particularly MSME owners, require more attention. Capital access needs to be bolstered," she stated, Tuesday (4/21).

City Government Provides Special Attention for Women in Kartini Day

In her view, Kartini’s legacy is as relevant as ever. If Kartini previously fought for educational rights, today’s hurdle is making sure government initiatives actually reach underprivileged women.

While she commends the government for its pro-women policies, she notes that public outreach remains a weak point.

Regarding transportation, she is pushing for better connectivity, especially along local routes in residential clusters. This is vital to support women in their day-to-day tasks.

"The public transport system is decent, but we need to bolster the links between neighborhoods," she explained.

In addition, Wa Ode called on women to define a clear vision for their lives and to stay tough through adversity. She highlighted that being open in communication is vital so that difficulties do not spiral into mental pressure or the debt traps of online lenders.

"Women need to understand their goals and the path to reach them. Stay persistent. If you are facing challenges, don't bottle them up—speak out and share your concerns with your family or your community," she explained.

She highlighted the significance of literacy and a commitment to lifelong learning, believing that age is no barrier to a woman’s personal growth.

"What matters most is to never stop learning, to keep building your literacy, and to dare to evolve. Age is just a number," she noted.

Jakarta City Council Vice Chairman, Rany Mauliani asserted that Kartini Day must serve as a reminder that gender equality is not merely a matter of discourse, but must be reflected in policy and budgeting.

She is committed to ensuring that women gain equal access across various sectors—ranging from education and healthcare to the economy—while also strengthening protection against violence.

"Jakarta's women must be empowered, independent, and play a vital role in the city's development," she stated.

She stressed that gender equality should be at the core of all local government policies, not just a complementary feature. To this end, she is advocating for stronger gender-responsive budgeting, better access to education for young girls, and genuine commitment to women-owned MSMEs.

Further, Rany believes that protecting women from violence requires more than just legal frameworks; it demands effective implementation and monitoring in the field.

"Women’s protection must be a reality, not just words on paper," she asserted.

She added that Kartini's fighting spirit is now seen in women's willingness to play strategic roles in growth and development.

"Jakarta needs more women who are empowered, independent, and vocal," she stated.