Sumbawa Regency Government Support in Gender Mainstreaming Policy

Men’s involvement in supporting gender equality is essential. For example, women want a career in politics. Her husband and family must support her. Assistant for Government and People’s Welfare, Regional Secretariat of Sumbawa Regency, Varian Bintoro, S.Sos, MSi, supports this idea.

“We do not expect these genders to surpass each other but can divide the roles so that they are equal,” said Varian. This 51-year-old man has always been involved in gender equality in government and community organization activities. He explained that there must be an even increase in human resources (HR) quality regardless of gender. This is the case with women’s participation in leadership and politics, which some people still underestimate. To strengthen women’s political participation, there is training to enhance the capacity of female legislative candidates in Sumbawa Regency. This activity was carried out this year by the Gender Welfare and Family Quality Improvement Division of the Population Control Service, Family Planning, Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (P2KBP3A).

Sumbawa District Government’s Commitment to Gender Equality Implementation

The Sumbawa Regency government’s commitment to supporting the implementation of gender equality is implemented through Regent Regulation Number 5 of 2021 concerning gender mainstreaming action plans. Gender Mainstreaming Regional Action Plan (RAD PUG) for Sumbawa Regency for 2021-2024 has been prepared to guide every development actor in implementing the Gender Mainstreaming (PUG) strategy.

“Support is very advanced. We already have an action plan for gender mainstreaming until 2024. The direction of the road map is clear, and there are technical guidelines,” said Varian.

He says all Regional Work Units (SKPD) are involved in this gender mainstreaming action plan, including vertical agencies. For example, in agencies, there are rooms for breastfeeding mothers, children’s play areas, separate toilets for men and women, and handrails or aids for access to multi-storey buildings for groups of people with disabilities.

“There is a PUG focal point in each SKPD, usually in the program section. “Gender-responsive development planning and budgeting for those assigned to this agency,” said Varian. The government has attempted various strategies to support equality between gender roles for both women and men and identify risks in government and politics.

“Gender risks for women who have limitations have less opportunity to compete with men, so Regional Apparatus Organizations (OPD) need to pay attention to and facilitate this,” explained Varian.

The target of achieving gender equality by 2030 is following SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) goal 5, namely empowering women and children as the main task of implementing the Population Control Service, Family Planning, Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (P2KBP3A), planning at Bappeda, budgeting at BPKAD and Inspectorate under supervision.

The budget is still limited in implementing the Varian continuation program, so gender mainstreaming is not yet as expected. “Inclusive facilities and infrastructure are needed at all stages, both in government and the community,” said Varian.

Women and Men Get Equality

This big ideal can only be achieved if women and men receive a cultural climate that is equal and gender-just. According to Varian, existing local values are very supportive and have no obstacles. Customs and culture actively support gender equality; women and men can take the same role.

Opening public spaces encourages women to learn and bring out their best potential so they can become leaders. “For example, the regional government structure supports women’s leadership, including Deputy Regent heads of departments, heads of divisions (kabid), members of the DPRD and sub-district heads,” said Varian.

All the policies are in place; it’s just how they are implemented towards Sumbawa Regency, encouraging gender equality.