Sri Lanka showing strong commitment to gender equality

The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in sri Lanka hosted the International Women’s Day ceremony at thier residence.

Ambassador of Indonesia Dwi Gustina Tobing invited a large gathering of invitees including the Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Savithri Paulraj who was the Chief Guest. CBL Group Managing Director Sheamalee Wickramasighe, popular musician Umaria Sinhawansa and Stephanie Siriwardena also addressed the gathering. The ambassador looking elegant was busy welcoming the guests at her residence.

An evening of camaraderie, glitz and glamour. The event featured an insightful session aimed to empower women, and served as a tribute to the commitment of women who has contributed immensely. The ambassador in her speech said by celebrating the achievements of women and amplifying their voices, we pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable society, where gender does not hinder opportunity but enriches collective experiences. Here is an excerpt from the ambassador’s speech.

A warm welcome to all of you. It is an honour to host this reception in commemoration of International Women’s Day 2025.

She said ” This year’s theme, “Accelerate Action”, is a powerful call to all of us. It underscores that equality cannot wait, and that all sectors of society must work together to speed up progress in women’s rights and empowerment.”

Around the world, we have seen tremendous strides toward gender equality in politics, economics, and social spheres. Women are increasingly taking up leadership roles, contributing to economic growth, and shaping the future of our societies.

In Indonesia, we are proud of the progress we have made in advancing women’s participation. She said

She reiterated that 127 women were elected to parliament, making up 22.1% of the seats—the highest in our post-reform history. However, this is still below our target of 30%, which means there is room for improvement.

Our new cabinet includes 14 women, both as ministers and deputy ministers, demonstrating our commitment to gender-inclusive governance.

Ambassador welcoming Chief Guest Minister of Women and Child Affairs

Beyond politics, women are the backbone of Indonesia’s economy. Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) contribute over 60% to the national GDP, and 64.5% of these businesses are managed by women.

Additionally, Indonesia ranks among the top four countries globally for female business leaders

She pointed out Sri Lanka, too, has made significant strides in women’s empowerment. When I met with Minister Saroja Savithri Paulraj last week, we discussed the progress Sri Lanka has made in increasing women’s representation in politics and the economy. From women entrepreneurs driving economic growth to initiatives supporting women in leadership, Sri Lanka is showing a strong commitment to gender equality.

Many countries have made progress in advancing women’s empowerment, yet, despite this progress, we must recognize that challenges remain. Women still face barriers to equal pay, leadership opportunities, financial inclusion, and social mobility. Gender-based violence, discrimination, and unequal access to resources continue to hinder the advancement of women in many parts of the world.

This is why collaboration is crucial. By sharing experiences, policies, and best practices, we can accelerate meaningful action to bridge the gender gap.

We must continue working together, fostering partnerships that empower women economically and socially. Indonesia is committed to strengthening collaboration with Sri Lanka and other nations to create more opportunities for women, recognizing their immense importance. Invitees were able to enjoy authentic Indonesian delicacies specially curated by the Ambassador herself.

By Zanita Careem