Alby Rizaldy Zaen, Author at Care Indonesia

Gender-Responsive Workplaces: An Investment in Economic Growth

Indonesia has set an ambitious goal of becoming a high-income country by 2045 through its Golden Indonesia 2045 vision. To achieve this, the Government has introduced a range of strategies, including infrastructure development, industrial transformation, and investments in human capital.

However, one critical driver of development often receives less attention: ensuring that women have equal opportunities to work, grow, and lead.

Gender equality in the workplace is still frequently viewed solely as an issue of protecting women’s rights. Yet growing evidence shows that when women have equal access to employment, training, leadership opportunities, and workplace protection, the benefits extend far beyond individuals. Gender-responsive workplaces improve business productivity, strengthen industrial competitiveness, and contribute to national economic growth.

These issues were at the center of the Dialogue on Strengthening Gender-Responsive Practices to Enhance National Industrial Competitiveness, organized by the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs at the Ali Wardhana Building in Jakarta on Thursday (16 July).

In his opening remarks, Dida Gardera, Acting Deputy for the Coordination of Industry, Manpower, and Tourism at the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, said that the Government is targeting economic growth of 5.4 until 5.6 percent in 2026, with acceleration to 8 percent by 2029, driven by investment, food security, and downstream industrial development. According to him, adopting gender-responsive business practices is essential to achieving sustainable productivity.

“The integration of Gender Mainstreaming (PUG) into industry is aligned with the 2025–2045 National Long-Term Development Plan (RPJPN) and the 2025–2029 National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN) in support of the Golden Indonesia 2045 vision. This includes ensuring equal career opportunities, eliminating the gender pay gap, protecting women’s rights, including maternity leave and lactation facilities—implementing gender-responsive occupational safety and health standards, and creating workplaces free from violence and harassment,” he said.

“If we look at Indonesia’s population, 49 percent are women. Therefore, it is impossible to overlook women’s contribution to national development,” said Dr. Amurwani Dwi Lestariningsih, Deputy for Gender Equality at the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection, during her presentation.

Currently, Indonesia’s female Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) stands at around 56 percent, significantly lower than the 84 percent recorded for men.

The Government aims to increase women’s labour force participation to 70 percent by 2045. Achieving this target requires collaboration among government institutions, the private sector, educational institutions, civil society organizations, and families to create an enabling environment where women can participate and thrive in the workforce.

According to Amurwani, Indonesia has established a strong legal foundation for promoting gender equality, including the 1945 Constitution, the ratification of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), and the implementation of Gender Mainstreaming policies since 2000. Nevertheless, significant gender disparities remain.

“One of the most significant challenges lies in women’s participation in the workforce. Although women’s access to education continues to improve, equal opportunities to enter the labour market, advance into leadership positions, and receive equal pay have yet to be fully realized,” she said.

Amurwani explained that these challenges are not primarily caused by women’s lack of capacity, but rather by persistent social norms that reinforce traditional gender roles.

“Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) are still widely perceived as masculine fields. These stereotypes often discourage women, not because they lack the ability, but because they feel these sectors are not meant for them,” she added.

Eripson M. H. Sinaga, Assistant Deputy for Agro-Industry, Chemical, Pharmaceutical, and Textile Industry Development at the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, highlighted that women form the backbone of many labour-intensive industries.

Indonesia’s textile, textile products, and footwear industries employ approximately 5.02 million workers, the majority of whom are women. Likewise, around 97 percent of workers in the tobacco manufacturing industry are women.

“The sustainability of Indonesia’s industrial sector cannot be separated from the contribution of women workers. When women face discrimination, lose their jobs, or are denied opportunities for advancement, the consequences extend beyond individuals and their families, they also affect the productivity of our national industries,” he explained.

According to Eripson, gender-responsive business practices have become an integral component of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. For companies seeking to remain competitive in global markets, creating inclusive workplaces is no longer optional, it is a strategic necessity.

“These practices are not merely about meeting international standards. They are a long-term investment in strengthening human capital and enhancing the competitiveness of Indonesian industries as we move toward Golden Indonesia 2045,” he added.

Fritz Simon Saortua, Head of the Working Team for Equality in Working Conditions under the Directorate General of Industrial Relations and Workers’ Social Security, Ministry of Manpower, emphasized that companies must ensure comprehensive protection for women workers. This includes maternity protection, family-friendly workplace policies, equal promotion opportunities, and workplaces free from violence and discrimination. He noted that the Government has also introduced regulations to promote gender equality for women workers.

“When women have equal access to education, employment, leadership opportunities, and workplace protection, companies benefit from a more productive workforce, industries become more competitive, and Indonesia is better positioned to maximize its demographic dividend,” Fritz said.

Yoseph Billie Dosiwoda, Secretary General of the Indonesian Footwear Association (Asosiasi Persepatuan Indonesia/APRISINDO), also expressed support for providing greater assistance to women workers, including workplace childcare facilities. However, he emphasized that careful planning is needed to ensure children’s health and safety.

“We support the provision of daycare facilities in workplaces because they can ease the burden on employees with young children, especially women workers. However, this requires careful consideration, particularly in factory environments where exposure to chemicals may pose risks to children,” Yoseph explained.

Business associations also play an important role in bridging communication between the Government and the private sector by conveying industry perspectives to policymakers while helping members understand and implement government regulations.

Representing the Indonesian Food and Beverage Producers Association (Gabungan Produsen Makanan Minuman Indonesia/GAPMMI), Irwan S. Widjaja said the association continues to encourage its members to comply with government regulations, including those related to gender-responsive business practices.

“As an association, we encourage our members to align their company policies with government regulations. GAPMMI’s role is primarily to serve as a bridge between regulators and businesses while reminding our members of their responsibilities,” Irwan concluded.

Author: Kukuh Akhfad
Editor: Swiny Adestika

Preventing Stunting Starts with Preventing Child Marriage

Stories

Stunting remains one of Indonesia’s major human development challenges. However, one of its root causes begins long before a woman becomes pregnant, when girls are married at an early age. According to UNICEF, around 16 percent of Indonesian women aged 20–24 were married before the age of 18. Meanwhile, approximately 23 percent of children under five in Indonesia are affected by stunting, indicating that many children are not growing and developing in line with their age.

Indonesia’s Minister of Health Regulation No. 97 of 2014 identifies adolescent pregnancy as one of the risk factors for stunting. Pregnancy before the age of 20 increases the likelihood of delivering babies with low birth weight (LBW), which is a significant contributing factor to stunting.

Awalia Murtiana, Project Manager at CARE Indonesia, explained that efforts to prevent stunting must begin long before a girl becomes a mother. This approach recognizes that child marriage is not solely an individual decision but is also influenced by social norms, household economic conditions, and the environment in which girls grow up.

“When girls have the opportunity to complete their education, understand their sexual and reproductive health, and make decisions about their own future, they are better prepared for marriage and pregnancy. This not only protects girls’ rights but also represents an investment in raising a healthier generation,” she said.

Awalia also emphasized that reducing stunting requires a comprehensive approach. While improving nutrition remains essential, it must go hand in hand with protecting children’s rights, expanding access to education, promoting gender equality, and preventing child marriage.

“Through CARE Indonesia’s stunting reduction programme, adolescents are actively engaged in learning about sexual and reproductive health and gender equality. To date, around 236 adolescents in Maluk Sub-distric

t, West Sumbawa District, have participated in Youth Classes as part of the programme,” she explained.

According to Awalia, adolescents are not merely recipients of information but also play an active role in sharing knowledge with their peers through various community forums.

“Young people facilitate discussions on health, gender equality, and leadership with other adolescents. We use a peer-to-peer approach so that participants feel they are learning and exchanging ideas with their peers, rather than being lectured,” she added.

Awalia further explained that adolescent pregnancy carries higher health risks because a young woman’s body has not yet fully matured. This increases the likelihood of anemia, low birth weight, and impaired child growth, all of which contribute to the risk of stunting.

“Preventing stunting requires more than nutrition interventions. It also means preventing child marriage and ensuring that adolescents have access to education and sexual and reproductive health information and services. Through community-based training and dialogue, CARE Indonesia also works to shift perceptions about girls. Rather than being expected to marry early, girls should be recognized as individuals with the right to learn, grow, and make decisions about their own future,” Awalia concluded.

Author: Kukuh Akhfad
Editor: Swiny Adestika

Gender-Responsive Workplaces, Stronger Business Competitiveness

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Gender-responsive business practices are a key driver of sustainable growth and stronger competitiveness in the global marketplace. As expectations for Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance continue to rise, companies must foster workplaces that are safe, inclusive, and equitable. Empowering women should therefore be viewed not as an additional cost, but as a strategic investment that enhances productivity, strengthens talent retention, and creates long-term business value.

To support the advancement of gender-responsive workplaces, the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (Kementerian Pemberdayaan Perempuan dan Perlindungan Anak), in collaboration with CARE Indonesia and Tirto.id, hosted the webinar “Strengthening Gender-Responsive Business Practices for Sustainable Competitiveness” (7/7). During the webinar, the WISe (Workplace Inclusion and Safe Spaces) Index was introduced as an initiative that helps companies strengthen gender-responsive business practices through assessments, tailored recommendations for improvement, and recognition of their commitment to building more inclusive and sustainable workplaces.

Working Together to Protect Coastal Ecosystems and Strengthen Livelihoods in West Sumbawa District

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Promoting environmental justice, particularly through the protection of coastal ecosystems, is one of CARE Indonesia’s key priorities. During the COAST-CARE (Co-management for Advancing Sustainable Tatar-Sepang Coastal Area Resilience and Empowerment) showcase(2/7), a co-management forum was established, bringing together CARE Indonesia, the West Sumbawa District Government, village governments, partners, and community groups to strengthen collaborative coastal management.

The establishment of the co-management forum is part of the TFCCA (Tropical Forest and Coral Reefs Conservation Act) Program in West Sumbawa District, a bilateral cooperation initiative between the Governments of Indonesia and the United States. The program is supported by Konservasi Indonesia (KI) and Yayasan Konservasi Alam Nusantara (YKAN) to advance coral reef conservation while promoting sustainable livelihoods and improving community well-being.

Moving forward, CARE Indonesia and its partners will strengthen the capacity of community groups through training and technical assistance to support sea turtle conservation, coral reef protection, and the development of environmentally sustainable alternative livelihoods. These efforts also aim to expand economic opportunities and strengthen the participation of local communities, including women’s groups.

CARE Indonesia Strengthens Its Commitment to GBV and Sexual Harassment Prevention Within the Organization and Among Partners

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CARE Indonesia’s commitment to preventing Gender-Based Violence and Sexual Violence (GBV/SV), both in the workplace and within communities, is reflected in its ongoing efforts to strengthen the capacity of its staff. This initiative equips team members with the knowledge and skills to identify the root causes, various forms, and impacts of GBV/SV, while also enhancing their understanding of appropriate reporting mechanisms and case management procedures.

A total of 23 CARE Indonesia staff members participated in the capacity strengthening program through both in-person and virtual sessions. The program covered GBV/SV prevention and workplace grievance reporting mechanisms through presentations, interactive discussions, and practical simulations. All participants also received a GBV/SV response guidebook to support the application of the knowledge and procedures introduced during the training.

As part of the capacity-building initiative, all participants received a GBV Kit containing a workplace GBV/SV case management guidebook, a pocket guide for supporting GBV/SV survivors, and educational flyers. In addition, 65 GBV Kits were distributed to partners in Demak District, Sukabumi District, and Purwakarta District to strengthen GBV/SV prevention and response efforts in workplaces and communities.

Notes from the field: Listening to Women’s Voices in Post-Flood Recovery in Aceh Tamiang

Stories

The floodwaters that once inundated nearly 90 percent of Aceh Tamiang District have gradually receded. Village roads are now accessible again, homes are being cleaned, and daily life is slowly returning to normal. Yet beneath these visible signs of recovery lies a story that often goes unheard, particularly the experiences of women, who continue to shoulder enormous responsibilities while rebuilding their lives after the disaster.

Women have faced far more than the loss of their homes and livelihoods. They have also continued to care for their children, look after sick family members, ensure that household needs are met, and find ways to restore their families’ economic security. Understanding the challenges faced by disaster-affected households, including women and children is a fundamental part of CARE Indonesia’s humanitarian response. As part of this commitment, CARE Indonesia conducted a Rapid Gender Roles and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Assessment from (8-10/6) in Tanjung Mancang and Pantai Tinjau Villages, Aceh Tamiang District.

The assessment built upon the Rapid Gender Analysis (RGA) carried out during the emergency response phase. This time, CARE Indonesia sought to better understand how the floods affected women and other vulnerable groups, identify risks of GBV, and map priority needs throughout the recovery process.

Yohana Tantria, Project Manager & Portfolio Support at CARE Indonesia, explained that the assessment involved separate discussions and interviews with women, men, community leaders, and village government representatives. This approach ensured that each group had a safe and comfortable space to openly share their experiences.

“Through this assessment, we found that the impacts of the flood were not experienced equally by everyone. Women faced far more complex challenges because, in addition to losing their homes or sources of income, they continued to shoulder the responsibility of caring for children, looking after sick family members, and ensuring that household needs were still met,” Yohana said.

Beyond the multiple responsibilities carried by women, the assessment also uncovered vulnerabilities that were not immediately visible during the emergency response. According to Yohana, many of these issues only became apparent once communities entered the recovery phase.

“Damaged homes, with walls left broken by the floods, created new risks related to privacy and personal safety. In public spaces, women and girls also experienced verbal harassment while travelling along dark, damaged village roads,” she explained.

These findings highlight that post-disaster recovery requires more than rebuilding infrastructure or distributing essential relief items. According to Yohana, recovery efforts must also ensure that women have opportunities to voice their needs, participate in decision-making, and access appropriate protection services.

CARE Indonesia integrates gender-responsive humanitarian assistance into every emergency response, including its intervention in Aceh Tamiang. This holistic approach includes conducting gender-sensitive needs assessments and analyses, engaging women in planning processes, ensuring that essential assistance is safely accessible to women and other vulnerable groups, and where feasible supporting safe spaces, psychosocial support, and strengthened protection mechanisms to prevent and respond to gender-based violence and sexual violence.

“Gender-responsive assistance does not mean providing different treatment for women. Rather, it enables us to identify needs that may not be immediately visible. When women are meaningfully involved from the outset, humanitarian assistance becomes more relevant, more effective, and ensures that no one is left behind during recovery,” Yohana said.

Salamah, a flood survivor from Tanjung Mancang Village, shared that many community members still do not recognize that some of the experiences women face after disasters constitute forms of gender-based violence.

“Gender-based violence does happen here, but many people simply don’t realize that these incidents are actually violence. We didn’t know because no one had ever explained it to us. Now we have begun to understand that violence can take many different forms,” she said.

Speaking during the discussion with Yohana, Salamah, who also serves as Secretary of Tanjung Mancang Village, emphasized that increasing public awareness is an important first step toward helping women feel safer when they experience or witness gender-based violence or sexual violence. She hopes that information about gender-based violence will become more accessible and that clear reporting mechanisms will be available to survivors.

“We hope there will be more comprehensive education about violence against women. We also hope there will be accessible reporting mechanisms and clear procedures for handling these cases so that women who experience violence can receive justice,” she concluded.

Author: Kukuh Akhfad
Editor: Swiny Adestika

Strengthening Economic Empowerment and Gender Equality for Women Coffee Farmers

Stories

Women play a vital role in the coffee industry. According to the International Coffee Organization (ICO), women contribute up to 70 percent of the global coffee production workforce, participating in activities ranging from crop maintenance and harvesting to post-harvest processing. However, this significant contribution is often not matched by equal access to training opportunities, leadership roles, and decision-making processes within coffee enterprises.

The International Trade Centre (ITC), in its report Women in Coffee: The Case of Indonesia, highlights that women in Indonesia’s coffee sector continue to face barriers in accessing training, leadership positions within farmer groups, business networks, and decision-making opportunities. Yet women possess valuable knowledge, experience, and potential to further develop coffee enterprises and take on broader leadership roles within their communities.

Eri Nuryanti, a coffee farmer from Kemiri Village, Temanggung District, is one of many women who are actively involved in managing her family’s coffee farm. In addition to her household responsibilities, she participates in various pre-harvest activities in the family’s Robusta coffee plantation.

“On our coffee farm, I am usually involved in maintaining the crops, including fertilizing, weeding, pruning unproductive branches, and helping with harvesting during the coffee season,” she said.

These activities have been part of her daily life for many years. Her family’s coffee plantations are located across several areas surrounding the village. For Eri, caring for coffee plants is not only a way to support her family’s livelihood but also a meaningful part of her life.

Beyond her work on the farm, Eri is also an active member of Kelompok Usaha Bersama (KUB) Makmur Lestari, a community-based business group. Within the group, she is responsible for marketing a catfish farming business that is being developed collectively by its members. She believes that community business groups provide valuable opportunities for learning while strengthening women’s economic empowerment.

“Through the business group, we can learn together, share experiences, and strengthen our economic independence through pooled capital and shared business profits,” she explained.

According to Eri, the group also creates a supportive space where women can learn from one another. Members can access capital, discuss business opportunities, and exchange experiences related to managing household finances and livelihoods.

“Being part of a business group helps us strengthen our economic independence through collective investment and profit-sharing,” she added.

Eri has also participated in a range of training programs facilitated by CARE Indonesia and its partners. In addition to business development, these trainings cover leadership, gender and gender equality, as well as the prevention of gender-based violence.

“I have gained a great deal from these trainings. Beyond improving my skills, I have gained new experiences and become more confident in developing my business,” she said.

Agus Tri Wahyuono, Sustainable Agriculture Portfolio Manager at CARE Indonesia, explained that the capacity strengthening received by Eri is part of a broader effort to build a more inclusive and equitable coffee sector, one that provides equal opportunities for both women and men to participate and thrive.

Implemented in Temanggung, Garut, and Jember Districts, the program seeks to strengthen community understanding of gender equality, leadership, inclusive communication, and the prevention and early response to gender-based violence within coffee-growing communities.

“This initiative does not only involve women; it also engages men as part of a collective effort to raise awareness about the importance of gender equality. Through this approach, we hope to encourage a more equitable division of roles within households and coffee enterprises,” he said.

Agus emphasized that the future of the coffee industry depends not only on the quality of its harvests but also on the ability of communities to create inclusive environments free from gender discrimination. When women have access to knowledge, leadership opportunities, and economic resources, they not only contribute to the well-being of their families but also become key drivers of community development and the long-term sustainability of the coffee sector.

“We hope that women will not only participate in coffee production activities but will also have opportunities to build their capacities, take on leadership roles, and engage in decision-making processes at both the group and community levels,” Agus concluded.

Author: Kukuh Akhfad
Editor: Swiny Adestika

Joint Business Groups (KUBe) Create Economic Opportunities for Women Workers in Tea Plantation Communities

Stories

Women tea pluckers not only work in tea plantations but also carry significant responsibilities in managing their households and caring for their families. This double burden often limits their access to additional economic opportunities and reduces the time and space available for personal development and capacity building.

To address these challenges, Community Development Forums (CDF) were established as collaborative platforms that strengthen multi-stakeholder engagement and expand opportunities for local communities, including women tea workers, across three villages located in three tea plantation areas in Bandung District. The initiative is a joint effort between CARE Indonesia and its partners.

Agus Tri Wahyuono, Sustainable Agriculture Portfolio Manager at CARE Indonesia, explained that the three forums bring together companies, village governments, and community members including women and women workers to collaboratively foster empowered and inclusive workplaces and communities. One of the key areas promoted through the CDFs is community economic empowerment, including women’s economic empowerment, through the establishment of Joint Business Groups (Kelompok Usaha Bersama/KUBe). Members of these groups, consisting of local community members and women workers, receive training and support to collectively develop micro-enterprises based on local needs and available resources.

Mustari Siti, Coordinator of the Lemon KUBe, shared that her group is currently developing a dried lemon processing business. The initiative was chosen because lemons are abundant in Margaluyu Village. Through this enterprise, she and other group members are able to generate additional income to support their families.

“Since joining KUBe, I have earned additional income that helps meet my family’s needs and allows me to save money. Beyond generating income from product sales, KUBe has also become a space for learning. We have gained knowledge about production processes, business management, group financial management, and product marketing,” she said.

Mustari added that her group has also diversified into other businesses, including coffee, mushrooms, and products made from fruits and vegetables. These ventures provide opportunities for members, most of whom are women to increase their household income while developing new skills that support the sustainability of their businesses.

Economic empowerment initiatives have also been implemented in the Malabar tea plantation area. Members of the local CDF established the KUBe Warung Teh, which serves a variety of local foods and tea beverages produced from the plantation while also providing a marketplace for products made by other community enterprises, such as chips and snacks. The tea stall is designed to attract both local residents and tourists visiting the plantation area.

According to Hani, Chairperson of the Tea Stall KUBe, the collective business has created opportunities for women to learn how to manage a business together. She and her group recognized the tourism potential of the Pangalengan tea plantation area and saw an opportunity to establish a food and beverage venue where visitors could rest while enjoying the scenic tea plantation landscape.

“We started from scratch with support from CARE. We learned how to manage finances, oversee daily operations, serve customers, record income and expenditures, and develop the menu. We also learned how to identify and respond to business opportunities,” she explained.

Hani noted that, beyond generating additional income, the Tea Stall KUBe has strengthened relationships among its members. Through regular meetings and joint activities, women have gained a space to exchange experiences and discuss challenges they face.

“We are pleased to see the business growing successfully. As of May 2026, the Tea Stall KUBe had generated approximately IDR 75 million in revenue. This achievement is the result of our collective hard work, and we hope the business will continue to grow in the future,” she added.

The impact of KUBe extends beyond the Malabar and Pasir Malang plantation areas. Agus explained that in the Nagara Kanaan plantation area, a KUBe supported by CARE Indonesia and its partners operates a small-scale community store that sells essential goods such as LPG cylinders and fertilizer. The business was developed in response to the needs of residents living within the plantation community.

“Although each KUBe operates a different type of business, they all share the same goal: strengthening women’s economic independence and creating greater opportunities for women to participate in community life,” Agus explained.

He further noted that available data show that participants have benefited not only economically but also personally. Women workers involved in the CDFs and KUBe groups have become more confident through their participation in group activities. They are increasingly comfortable expressing their opinions, engaging in discussions, taking leadership roles in business management, and even providing input to plantation management.

“Through KUBe, women in tea plantation communities are not only building businesses; they are also building confidence, knowledge, and support networks that will serve as important foundations for the long-term resilience of their communities,” Agus concluded.

The empowerment of communities, including women through the multi-stakeholder collaboration fostered by the CDFs demonstrates that economic empowerment is about more than increasing income. When women have access to training, mentoring, and opportunities to collectively manage businesses, they also gain space to strengthen their capacities and expand their roles within their communities.

Author: Kukuh Akhfad
Editor: Swiny Adestika

Ensuring Safe Digital Space in the Workplace and Protecting Women Workers’ Rights

Stories

Digital spaces have become an integral part of today’s working environment. While workplace interactions once occurred primarily within office walls, communication now takes place through various digital platforms such as online chat groups, email, and virtual meeting applications. As the use of technology continues to grow, new challenges have emerged in ensuring safe workplaces, particularly in preventing violence and harassment within digital workspaces. According to the 2025 Annual Report of Komnas Perempuan, there were 125 reported cases of Online Gender-Based Violence (OGBV) in workplaces, with women as the majority of victims.

Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Republic of Indonesia define a safe space as one that enables every individual to participate, interact, and express themselves without fear of violence, discrimination, or threats. The Ministry further emphasizes that unsafe digital spaces can discourage women from engaging in public spaces, limit their economic opportunities, and reduce their participation in development processes.

Within the context of employment, a safe digital space refers to a technology-based communication environment that is free from harassment, intimidation, bullying, discrimination, and gender-based violence. The International Labour Organization, through Convention No. 190, affirms that violence and harassment in the world of work may occur through work-related communications, including those facilitated by information and communication technologies. In other words, workplace chat groups, instant messaging platforms, and virtual meeting rooms are all part of the workplace and should provide a sense of safety for every worker.

The need for safe digital spaces is becoming increasingly urgent given the high number of online harassment and violence cases occurring in professional settings. A 2022 survey conducted by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in collaboration with the Never Okay Project found that 39.6 percent of respondents had experienced online harassment or violence in the workplace. The survey also revealed that such experiences negatively affect productivity, reduce work motivation, and may even push workers to resign.

According to the ILO, preventing violence in the workplace requires a comprehensive strategy, including clear policies, secure reporting mechanisms, and education for all employees.

Yohana Tantria, Project Manager & Portfolio Support at CARE Indonesia, stated that creating safe digital spaces for women in the workplace requires a more inclusive workplace culture. Companies need to build awareness that sexually suggestive comments, sharing photos without consent, gender-degrading jokes, and unwanted private messages are not harmless jokes, but behaviors that can be categorized as violence or harassment.

“Women have the right to work without fear, including in digital spaces. When degrading comments, harassment, or inappropriate behavior are tolerated, the impact extends beyond workers’ sense of safety. It also affects their confidence, participation, and opportunities to grow professionally,” said Yohana.

On the other hand, Yohana also emphasized that women workers need to understand their rights in digital spaces. They should know that any form of harassment occurring through work-related communication can be reported and addressed through existing mechanisms. Digital literacy is therefore essential to help women recognize forms of digital violence, document evidence, and seek support when experiencing or witnessing inappropriate behavior.

Safe digital spaces are not created solely when victims feel empowered to speak up, but also when workplaces provide adequate support and protection.

“Victims often choose to remain silent because they fear they will not be believed or worry about the impact on their careers. Therefore, the responsibility for creating safe digital spaces must not rest solely on victims. Management of the company and colleagues must also ensure there is sufficient support, protection, and mechanisms that make workers feel safe to speak out,” Yohana added.

Men also play a crucial role in creating safe digital environments. Preventing gender-based violence is not solely women’s responsibility, but a shared responsibility. Men can act as allies by refusing to tolerate jokes that demean women, not participating in the spread of abusive content, and courageously addressing or reporting inappropriate behavior. ILO stresses that creating workplaces free from violence requires the active involvement of all parties, including male employees and company management.

At the corporate level, several measures can be taken, including establishing anti-violence policies that explicitly cover digital spaces, creating safe and confidential complaint mechanisms, providing training on gender equality and digital communication ethics, and ensuring fair follow-up on every report. These efforts align with ILO Convention No. 190, which affirms every individual’s right to work in an environment free from violence and harassment.

Collaborative work to create safe spaces for women workers are also supported by the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection through the establishment of Rumah Perlindungan Pekerja Perempuan (RP3) or Women Workers’ Protection Houses. Through Ministerial Regulation No. 1 of 2023, RP3 serves as an initial support service for women workers experiencing violence, including providing complaint mechanisms, assistance, and referrals. The presence of RP3 reflects a commitment to ensuring women workers receive protection and access to safe case-handling mechanisms, including when violence occurs in digital spaces.

Riska Wahyuni, CSR Manager at PT Hindoli, stated that the presence of RP3 helps companies build safer and more responsive workplaces for women employees.

“RP3 provides a space where women workers feel safer to voice concerns or report cases they experience. With a clear mechanism in place, employees feel more confident that every report will be handled seriously and in accordance with proper procedures,” she explained.

Ultimately, safe digital spaces are not merely a matter of technology, but part of a broader effort to create workplaces that uphold equality and respect the dignity of every worker.

“When women feel safe to communicate, express opinions, and participate in digital spaces, they are able to grow, contribute, and take on greater roles in the workplace. Therefore, building safe digital spaces is not only about protecting women workers, but also about strengthening the foundation of healthy, productive, and inclusive organizations,” Yohana concluded.

Author: Kukuh Akhfad
Editor: Swiny Adestika

Annual Report CARE Indonesia – 2025

Publications

Gender-Responsive Workplaces: An Investment in Economic Growth

Preventing Stunting Starts with Preventing Child Marriage

Gender-Responsive Workplaces, Stronger Business Competitiveness

Working Together to Protect Coastal Ecosystems and Strengthen Livelihoods in West Sumbawa District

CARE Indonesia Strengthens Its Commitment to GBV and Sexual Harassment Prevention Within the Organization and Among Partners

Notes from the field: Listening to Women’s Voices in Post-Flood Recovery in Aceh Tamiang

Strengthening Economic Empowerment and Gender Equality for Women Coffee Farmers

Joint Business Groups (KUBe) Create Economic Opportunities for Women Workers in Tea Plantation Communities

Ensuring Safe Digital Space in the Workplace and Protecting Women Workers’ Rights

Annual Report CARE Indonesia – 2025

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