VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

 Mother's Day commemoration is not just a moment for expressing gratitude, but also an opportunity to highlight and acknowledge the important role women play in the nation's development, First Lady Iriana Joko Widodo has said.

"This special momentum should enliven women's spirit to speak out and show their potential, to empower themselves to develop equality and prosperous life, and become more innovative for the advancement of the nation," she remarked in a statement issued here on Wednesday.

Joining a virtual event on the eve of the 93rd Mother's Day from Yogyakarta on Wednesday, the first lady said that women are important pillars and drivers of the nation's development.

This has been proven through the role women have played throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, she added.

"Throughout the pandemic, women, mothers, have proven their resiliency and power to survive from various difficulties to protect their children, families, and the people around them to keep them happy, calm, and productive," she explained.

She also urged women to continue to fight and become empowered to aid the advancement of Indonesia.

"Indonesian women should become empowered women, trendsetters in the formation of the nation's character, and prepare a strong and resilient future generation," she affirmed.

She also conveyed her belief that with their resiliency and the strategic roles that they play, women and mothers could become more empowered and help realize Advanced Indonesia.

Earlier, Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Minister Bintang Puspayoga had highlighted women's role in saving the nation.

For instance, during the economic crisis of 1998, women-owned micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) helped keep Indonesia's economy stable, she pointed out.  (Antaranews)