Deputy Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Angela Tanoesoedibjo highlighted the pivotal role of tourism and the creative economy in advancing gender equality during the National Seminar for Kartini Day in Medan. Angela emphasized that the majority of the workforce in these sectors are women, constituting 75%, with a significant portion of students also being female. She urged for these sectors to become leaders in providing equitable opportunities for women to participate in creative activities, fostering an environment conducive to quality and sustainable tourism.
Despite women's significant presence, Angela noted their limited representation in managerial positions, both overall (33%) and specifically within the tourism sector (37%), underscoring the need to address these disparities. She highlighted the persistent gender pay gap, which averaged 20% in 2020, emphasizing the importance of initiatives within the tourism and creative economy sectors to combat these inequities. Angela also emphasized the vital economic role of women, particularly in the micro, small, and medium enterprises (UMKM) sector, where they comprise 64% of owners and contribute significantly to Indonesia's workforce. In conclusion, Angela stressed the urgent need for concerted efforts to empower women within these sectors, not only to achieve gender equality but also to enhance their substantial contributions to Indonesia's economic growth and sustainability.
