"FM Retno Shines Light on Challenges Women Face in Asean", 06 August 2017

Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi has highlighted the importance of supporting women in Southeast Asia to solve various challenges they face, such as income disparity and poor access to higher education.

Retno said the income gap, vulnerability to exploitation in the informal sector, and difficulties to access capital and market information are some challenges women face in the region...

...Retno said the bloc must also consider increasing training and financial access for women-run businesses, encouraging women to attend colege and fostering better cooperation with private companies as part of efforts to create a favorable work environment for women and mothers.

As the only female foreign minister in Asean...Retno's role in putting women's issues on the agenda is imperative to address the various challenges women face in Asean...

She also touched on the importance of protecting female migrant workers...many of whom are vulnerable to sexual exploitation and human trafficking.