MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM ~ North Sumatra Governor Muhammad Bobby Afif Nasution has emphasized the importance of a balanced role for women in both the household and public spheres, stressing that both domains should complement each other rather than be seen as opposing forces.
He made the remarks during a seminar titled "Saatnya Perempuan Bicara" (The Time for Women to Speak), organized by the North Sumatra Office for Women's Empowerment, Child Protection, and Family Planning (PPPAKB), held at the Raja Inal Siregar Hall, Governor's Office in Medan, on Friday, April 24, 2026, as part of Kartini Day commemorations.
Women's Strategic Role Highlighted on Kartini Day
Read Also: Deli Serdang Strengthens Role in North Sumatra Regional Development Plan 2027 The seminar brought together key national and regional figures, including Minister of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Arifatul Choiri Fauzi, First Advisor of TP PKK North Sumatra Titiek Sugiharti, Member of the Indonesian House of Representatives Muhammad Husni, Bank Indonesia North Sumatra Representative Head Rudy Brando Hutabarat, and various government officials and women's organizations.
Bobby welcomed the minister's presence and praised her visit to a disaster shelter for victims of hydrometeorological events in the region, calling it an inspiring example for society, particularly for women.
"Welcome and thank you for joining us in North Sumatra to commemorate Kartini Day. We did not expect such an extraordinary response from the minister," Bobby said.
HIGH RATE OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN: Minister of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Arifatul Choiri Fauzi reveals the persistently high number of violence cases against women and children in Indonesia, reaching 35,131 cases throughout 2025. (PHOTO: Fahmi Aulia)
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Bobby also highlighted the still-limited participation of women in public office, particularly in decision-making positions. He noted that several regencies and cities in North Sumatra have no female representation in local parliaments.
"In some regions, there are no female members in the Regional House of Representatives (DPRD). While the DPRD of North Sumatra is chaired by a woman, overall representation remains very low," he explained.
Read Also: Parhobas Backs Vape Ban Plan by North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution He added that only Labuhanbatu Regency is currently led by a female regional head, although some areas do have female deputy leaders.
With North Sumatra's population reaching approximately 15.7 million people—of which 7.8 million are women—Bobby stressed the strategic importance of women in shaping the region's future.
"This group will define the future leadership of North Sumatra," he said.
SEMINAR PARTICIPANTS: Participants attend the seminar titled "It's Time for Women to Speak Up," organized by the North Sumatra Office of Women's Empowerment, Child Protection, and Family Planning (PPPAKB) at Raja Inal Siregar Hall, North Sumatra Governor's Office, Jalan Diponegoro No. 30, Medan, on Friday, April 24, 2026. (PHOTO: Fahmi Aulia).
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Bobby expressed hope that continuous seminars and training programs would help produce more female leaders capable of taking on national leadership roles.
He also called for breaking down the traditional separation between domestic responsibilities and public participation for women.
"We must break this barrier. Women should not be forced to choose between household duties and public roles. They can do both—as mothers and as active contributors in public life," he stated.
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Meanwhile, Minister Arifatul Choiri Fauzi reported that in 2025, Indonesia recorded 35,131 cases of violence against women and children, involving 37,372 victims, more than 30,000 of whom were women.
"Although the numbers are high, they also reflect increasing courage among victims to report cases. However, this remains a serious issue," she said.
She emphasized the need for stronger prevention efforts, noting that forums such as the seminar play a vital role in raising public awareness and preventing violence.
Read Also: Bobby Nasution Urges Youth to Embrace Adaptability and Industrialization "We hope future generations will become more sensitive and committed to protecting women," she concluded. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Darmailawati | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
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