‘20 questions’ is a new Q&A column where we talk to the country’s most intriguing individuals -- including artists, celebrities, academics, activists, leaders, industry players and “regular” people with notable achievements. 

The global event G20 will hold its Summit in Bali in November. Its country members and engagement groups discuss and meet to push regulations that will be finalized later this year. One such engagement group is W20 (Women-20), focusing on gender inclusivity and equality. 

With the tagline “Recover together, equally”, W20 raises four issues: eradicating discrimination against women; encouraging inclusivity in the economic sector, especially small-medium enterprises (SMEs) run by women; empowering women in rural areas and disabled women; and improving women and children’s health.

But many still wonder: what is W20 and how exactly do they support women? The Jakarta Post talked with Uli Silalahi, the chairperson of W20, on March 1 for some insights. 

Would you mind sharing a bit of W20's background?

W20 was formed in 2015 [during the Turkish term of the presidency]. The year before, [at the 2014 Summit in Brisbane, Australia], the G20 resulted in “Brisbane Goals 25 by 25”, which aimed that by the year 2025, women workforce and leadership should reach 25 percent [in each member country]. So, W20 began the work to push governments to achieve that number in 2015. 

How would you continue the work this year?

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