Despite numerous programs launched in the past year, few measures have paid much attention to the equality and representation of women in policymaking and leadership positions, according to research institute Laboratorium Indonesia 2045 (LAB45).

Major programs introduced by the President’s administration, such as his flagship’s free nutritious meal program, were not constructed using a gender perspective and did not reflect support for women, said LAB45 analyst Ratu Dyah Ayu Gendiswardani.

“This is evident in the free meals program’s governing body structure, which lacks women’s participation,” Ratu said on Wednesday.

The free meals program, which has been facing growing public pressure following thousands of food poisoning cases among students receiving the meals, is managed by the National Nutrition Agency (BGN). The body only has a woman in its leadership positions, namely Nanik Sudaryati Deyang, who was appointed during a cabinet reshuffle in mid-September.

Prabowo and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka’s Asta Cita (eight missions) list gender equality and women’s protection as priorities under one of its 17 priority programs. However, the promises have yet to materialize, Ratu said.

“The Asta Cita outlines ambitious targets to reduce violence against women, as well as child marriage. But how can these goals be achieved without sufficient budget support and adequate facilities for the institutions responsible for these issues?” she continued.\