The 2024 campaign theme for International Women’s Day is #inspireinclusion, promoted on the website of International Women’s Day. It says: “When we inspire others to understand and value women’s inclusion, we forge a better world. And when women themselves are inspired to be included, there’s a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment. Collectively, let’s forge a more inclusive world for women.”
In my personal observation, women’s day, whether at the national or global level, has been polarising for a long time. Many people feel tokenistic by just dedicating one day to a gender-equal world, a day to promote free of discrimination, bias and stereotypes. I can understand this view as behaviour and mindset change cannot happen in just one day raising awareness. However, I feel having an annual day to celebrate the existence of women is positive. In alignment with the purpose of Tulisan Puan, when I refer to women, I am referring to those who identify as women.
Women inclusion in the workplace
Now, most of us celebrate women for having their own income, pursuing their dreams, choosing their careers, and they seem to be the indicators of women’s strengthening in many countries. I am also happy to see this change. But we know that changes take time, and some facts indicate otherwise. Let’s look at some statistics in Indonesia recently:
- National Statistic Bureau recorded in 2022 that only 38,98% of the total employees in Indonesia are women, accounting for 52,74 million women, with only 10,53% working in professional situations.
- The Bureau also recorded that part-time jobs (less than 35 hours per week) have been dominated by female employees, accounting for 37,10% in 2022.
Glass ceiling phenomena for women’s inclusion in the workplace
The glass ceiling phenomenon is defined as unseen but absolute barriers that impede women from taking higher positions in the workplace. Women with disabilities may have more significant barriers above their heads. This phenomenon is considered ‘subtle’ discrimination that has been structured massively in society. For instance, women are deemed unable to actualise themselves due to household ‘responsibilities’; therefore, promoting women to higher positions will not be a strategic plan for some companies. Additionally, women in their 30s may have difficulty in getting back to work after labour due to age discrimination that applies in most Indonesian companies. Many stereotypes of women hamper them from being comfortable accessing their potential at the workplace.
In my sector (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), I always work in a male-dominated environment, and I challenge employers to consider ways to attract female workers. This is not an easy personal task for me, of course. But I will never stop. Thankfully, we see some encouraging changes around paid parental leave (even though it is only three days), flexible work, and even childcare options. However, in some areas, many companies do not follow the regulations properly, and there is always an excuse to fulfil the gender balance in the workplace.
We cannot argue anymore that diversity in the workplace is essential for companies because top talent is retained.
I firmly believe that women can do and become anything they choose to—and that’s why I am building this page, Tulisan Puan—to align our passion and purpose and make a change.
My challenge for you
In this International Women’s Day, if you’re a woman (or those who identify as woman), I challenge you to consider what’s possible for you career-wise. Think big. Don’t limit yourself. Your options will be bigger than what currently exists in 2024.
And if you don’t identify as a women, I encourage you to ask those around you what International Women’s Day means to them. I always feel that annual awareness days are worthy of conversation starters.
I hope you celebrate 2024 International Women’s Day in your own style. 🙂
Angelina Yusridar Mustafa
Gender, Disability, and Social Inclusion Professional
The founder of Tulisan Puan
