Indonesia Empowers Women Through MSM Businesses

Jakarta, Dec 4 (ANTARA) - According to Vice President Boediono, women`s empowerment in the society is possible through their participation in micro, small and medium (MSM) businesses. "The empowerment of women through MSM business entrepreneurship is a significant achievement for the country," said Boediono, at the 4th Ministerial Conference on the Role of Women in the Development of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC), at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Jakarta, on Tuesday. Boediono mentioned that women all over the world are victims of the global economy crisis and the environmental crisis. "By having access to education, healthcare facilities, and by being part of the workforce, they can solve problems that have emerged as a result of the crisis," he said. In Indonesia, Boediono noted that by allowing women to be a part of the economy, they can also contribute to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). "80 percent of MSM business entrepreneurs in Indonesia are women, and they have contributed to the economic development of their communities in a significant way,� he said. Boediono added that Indonesia has many educational and training programs that will enhance the position of women in the society. "By working in MSM businesses, Indonesian women not only support themselves, but they also support their communities," he said. Thus, the Vice President has urged the OIC member states to come up with ways to increase the participation of women in the workforce. "I am sure that the delegations present at this conference will look into increasing the participation of women in the workforce by following Islamic values, peace, justice, tolerance and human dignity, as mentioned in the OIC Charter," Boediono added. The 4th Ministerial Conference on the Role of Women in the Development of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) is being held from December 4 to December 6. 187 delegations from 36 OIC member states, 36 members of the OIC Secretariat, 7 OIC subsidiaries and 2 observer states will be attending the conference.