Women in a multi cultural society

Transcription

1 Government of the Republic of Suriname Women in a multi cultural society Participation and roles in economic development The 4th Ministerial Conference on Women s Role in the Development of OIC Member States: Strengthening women s participation and roles in economic development in OIC member states H. E. SOEWARTO MOESTADJA Minister of Home Affairs Jakarta, Republic of Indonesia December 2012

2 HonorableMinister of Women s Empowerment and Child Protection of Indonesia, Her Excellency Mrs. Linda Amalia Sari Gumelar Secretary General of the OIC, His Excellency Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu Organizing Committee of the Fourth Ministerial Conference on the Role of Women in Development of the OIC Member States, All Participants, Ladies and Gentlemen, ASSALAAMU ALAIKUM WAROHMATULLOHI WABAROKAATUH May Alloh s peace, mercy and blessing be upon you All protocols observed, I am very honored as the Minister of Home Affairs, responsible for the National Gender Policy of Suriname - to be present here today and I want to thank the Indonesian Government and the OIC for inviting Suriname to this conference. When I look at the topic of this conference, Strengthening women s participation and roles in economic development it pleases me to reckon that the OIC finds it important to have a view on the way women in the member states are involved in the economic development and what strategies are used to strengthen their participation in regard to their contribution to this development. Suriname can be considered a Bhinneka Tunggal Ika society: Ethnically diversewith three main religions Christianity, with the biggest number of followers, followed by Hinduism and Islam. Ladies and Gentlemen, The Surinamese Government supports the thought that an equal participation of women in the socio-economic and political development is essential for the economic growth of the country. Our constitution states that all citizens have equal rights, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, religion and language. 1 The 4th Ministerial Conference on Women s Role in the Development of OIC Member States: Strengthening women s

3 In the statutory remit of the Ministry of Home Affairs 1 which carries the final responsibility for gender policy, is included that the ministry should help to achieve an optimal participation of women in the development process in Suriname and in addition to implement a balanced emancipation policy for women in compliance with specific Surinamese characteristics. In order to guarantee the rights of women and to promote their welfare, Suriname has not only ratified the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of discrimination against women (CEDAW) 2, but the Treaty on prevention, punishment and elimination of violence against women (Belem do Para) 3 as well. With the ratification of the last mentioned Treaty, Suriname demonstrates to find it essential that no violence should be done to women.hence, combating violence against women is one of the priorities of our policy. Therefore, a number of activities are developed with various stakeholders such as NGOs, other organizations and ministries. Education Education is one of the most important sources to development, allowing women to develop themselves as individuals and at the same time to be of significance for the development of the country. In 2011, 67% of the students at the University was female, while at the same time 68.2% of the graduates were female. Data show that girls also perform better than boys in senior high school and that there are less drop outs amongst the girls compared to the boys. Labor Most women find employment in administrative, scientific, nurturing, commercial, public and service sector. The Ministry of Labor has classified the vulnerable groups - women, young people and low-skilled - as a priority in its employment policy. Special programs and activities are developed and implemented in close cooperation with other relevant ministries and NGOs, to improve the access of the vulnerable groups to the labor market in the country 1 State Journal of 1991 No. 58 article 7 2 In In The 4th Ministerial Conference on Women s Role in the Development of OIC Member States: Strengthening women s

4 and the region. However, there is still much to accomplish to achieve the objectives that are laid down in ILO Conventions on this issue. In the rural areas, various projects are initiated with the aim to stimulate agriculture on the one hand and on the other hand, to strengthen women economically.agricultural courses as well as the processing of products such as cassava are taught to women. Politics and Decision-making Unlike the participation of women in education, in which they are overrepresented, their participation in politics and decision-making positions is still weak. To stimulate the participation of women in the economic development of the country and to strengthen their role therein, it is necessary to establish an infrastructure for women so that they can participate fully in those two areas as well. In the Tehran Declaration 4 is stated under point 10, a full participation of women in society: We underscore that the advancement of women and the promotion of their role within the family and society is a major factor for development in society and that there would be no meaningful progress if women who comprise one half of the society, remain out of the mainstream of society and do not have access to opportunities including those of quality education, healthcare, employment, protection from violence and for their participation in decision making process in society as well ensuring their rights, 5 We need to ensure that all Member States of the O.I.C. should work towards this achievement in the coming period Teheran Declaration. The Third Ministerial Conference On the Role of Women in the Development of OIC Member States. Women, Family and Economy December 2010, Moharram-ul Haram The 4th Ministerial Conference on Women s Role in the Development of OIC Member States: Strengthening women s

5 We will continue to execute special programs for girls and women in Suriname so their contribution to our economy can become more significantly. I thank you for your kind attention. Muslim women at the Square of Independence in Paramaribo during Eid prayer 4 The 4th Ministerial Conference on Women s Role in the Development of OIC Member States: Strengthening women s

6 President of the Republic of Suriname among Muslims at the Square of Independence during Eid celebration. 5 The 4th Ministerial Conference on Women s Role in the Development of OIC Member States: Strengthening women s