Regions and Countries

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p. 7 of 33 BACK | NEXT I. Current Development Trends and Issues A. Political Setting B. Economic Growth C. Poverty D. Governance and Institutional Capacity E. Private Sector F. Gender Assessment G. Environment H. Regional Cooperation I. Development Constraints II. The Government's Development Strategy III. ADB's Development Experience IV. ADB's Strategy V. ADB's Assistance Program VI. Risks and Performance Monitoring and Evaluation

Country Strategy and Program 2006-2009 (Draft for Consultation): Indonesia : I. Current Development Trends and Issues

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F. Gender Assessment

25. Gender disparities can be a major hindrance to sustainable economic development. The multi-donor Indonesia Country Gender Assessment (CGA)¹⁸ finds that while Indonesia has made progress over the years, inequalities between men and women and boys and girls persist. Analysis of gender issues in Indonesia is made difficult by a continued lack of genderdisaggregated data, but international measures such as the Gender Development Index (GDI) point to disparities. The GDI in 2003 was 87 as compared to the Human Development Index (HDI) of 110. In the absence of disparities, these figures would be equal, but in Indonesia women’s advantages in life expectancy are more than offset by a much lower literacy rate, and a small share of estimated earned income. In 2003, women’s labor force participation was only 40% (compared to 79% for men). Results under the MDG 3 targets are mixed. While the enrolment ratio of girls to boys in both primary and secondary education favors girls, the share of women in wage employment in the non-agricultural sector has declined, as has the proportion of seats held by women in the national parliament. Women’s health issues are of particular concern in Indonesia, which has one of the highest maternal mortality ratios in the region.

26. A consultative process identified 4 key themes for the CGA: (i) the impact of decentralization on gender, (ii) women’s inadequate representation in political decision-making, (iii) violence against women, and (iv) women and international migration. While the shift toward regional autonomy has already shown potential for increased participation of women in local governance, there are also challenges. In some areas decentralization has been accompanied by a revival of conservative religious interpretations of gender roles. Women’s political participation has increased slightly, but there is still a long way to go. Significant challenges include the often limited training and experience of women running for office, and traditional perceptions of women’s’ roles in society. Violence against women is a scourge that occurs at many levels, ranging from domestic violence, to violence in conflict and post-conflict situations, to human trafficking—all of which are difficult to document given their hidden nature. Labor migration is becoming more significant every year. Poverty, unemployment, and a lack of formal education are some of the driving forces behind increasing numbers of Indonesian women who seek to migrate overseas. The rise of regular migration has been accompanied by irregular migration (an estimated 60% of Indonesian workers in Malaysia are thought to be irregular). Irregular migrants are highly vulnerable, with no guarantees for tenure, minimum wages, or good working conditions.

27. The CGA analysis highlights seven major findings: (i) women’s participation in paid employment and access to productive resources need to be improved, (ii) gender inequality in access to education is most severe among the poor and in rural areas, (iii) health services are not reaching rural women and girls, (iv) the institutional framework for gender mainstreaming needs to be strengthened, (v) the participation of women in decision making is essential at all levels, (vi) violence against women takes many forms, and few services are available to victims; and (vii) the rights of international migrants require protection. The promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women does not fall solely under MDG 3. Gender equality is vital to the achievement of each of the MDG targets. Closing gender gaps will ultimately enhance sustainable economic growth and reduce poverty in Indonesia.

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