YOGYAKARTA, April 17, 2026 — Strengthening women’s roles in social life and national development took focus at a forum hosted by Dharma Wanita Persatuan at UIN Sunan Kalijaga on Friday, bringing together academics and gender advocates.

The event, held alongside Eid al-Fitr reflections and Kartini Day commemorations, explored women’s empowerment in personal development and society.

Education expert Imam Machali said a nation’s progress is closely tied to the quality of its women, stressing the need to distinguish between biological roles and socially constructed gender expectations.

“Women are not confined to domestic roles—they have equal opportunities to lead and contribute in the public sphere,” he said.

Machali highlighted persistent challenges, including the “double burden” faced by women balancing domestic responsibilities and professional roles, calling for more equitable distribution of responsibilities within families and society.

He also emphasized the importance of early gender awareness through education and community engagement, noting Indonesia’s demographic trends make women’s participation increasingly critical to future development.

Gender scholar Witriani added that gender issues extend beyond roles to include power relations, access to resources and social justice.

“Empowerment is not only about participation, but about ensuring equal positioning in decision-making processes,” she said.

The discussion underscored the need for a comprehensive approach to women’s empowerment, combining individual awareness, family support and policy alignment.

Organizers said the forum reflects broader efforts to reposition women as key drivers of social transformation.

“When women are empowered, it is not only individuals who grow, but society as a whole,” the organizers said.