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omen are still widely considered second-class citizens, often with lower positions that are not directly related to decision-making.

Female domestic migrant workers can learn skills overseas while improving their family income, their remittance contributing significantly to their home countries.

However, their work is not acknowledged as professional, and therefore, they are paid less and are not given the proper protection

Programs and proposals such as those highlighted in the campaigns of the Jakarta gubernatorial election have included empowering women through local community-based women’s organizations and offers of micro-credits.

Yet to become individual and collective agents of change, instead of being treated as objects, women need to be
given opportunities to raise their voices, participate actively in designing these programs, make decisions, and channel their aspirations into the programs and activities in order to support them, their families and communities.

Any economic empowerment program should be based on the real needs of women and use local resources, while developing their knowledge, skills and experiences.

Programs should also be able to improve women’s motivation, leadership and a sense of belonging to ensure individual and collective success.

Empowering also means enabling women to learn and support one another, and share their success with others.

Economic empowerment needs full participation from other stakeholders, such as spouses, community and religious leaders, local governments and the private sector to ensure support for women joining their programs.

Establishing informal organizations could help boost motivation and team work, support funding to pay women for their work, and market their products at local markets, business centers or online.

Programs should be transparent, accountable and professional to strengthen commitment and sense of ownership.

Rosita Tandos
Director of Balqis Foundation
Jakarta