THE IMPORTANCE OF GENDER EQUALITY ACCORDING

TO PANCASILA POINT OF VIEW

Paper
To Complete the Final Assignment of Pancasila and English Courses

Written By:
Farah Nurul Salsabila
160110170067

FACULTY OF DENTISTRY
PADJADJARAN UNIVERSITY
JATINANGOR
2018
 PREFACE
Praise and thanks be to Allah SWT who has bestowed His mercy so that this paper may be
finished with the best of the writer’s ability. This paper raises the issue of the fifth goal of the
UN's Sustainable Development Goals which is Gender Equality. This paper, in particular, the
write discussed "The Importance of Gender Equality According to Pancasila Point of View"
an issue that is very relevant to today's world development.

This paper was created with the aim of deepening the understanding of social issues related to
gender equality and fulfilling the final project of Pancasila and English subjects which are part
of the “Tahap Pembelajaran Bersama” course.

The writer expresses gratitude for the guidance of the lecturers who have provided the
materials on Sustainable Development Goals during the writer’s studies.

Thus this paper may be a benefit to readers,

Jakarta, 6 January 2018

Writer

Farah Nurul Salsabila

160110170067

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS
PREFACE ................................................................................................................................................. i
TABLE OF CONTENTS ..........................................................................................................................ii
Chapter I Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Background .............................................................................................................................. 1
1.2 Problem Formulation................................................................................................................ 2
1.3 Research Purpose ..................................................................................................................... 2
1.4 Benefits of Research................................................................................................................. 2
1.4.1 Theoretical Benefits ......................................................................................................... 2
1.4.2 Practical Benefits.............................................................................................................. 2
Chapter II DISCUSSION .................................................................................................................. 4
2.1 Gender Equality and Its Implication on Women ...................................................................... 4
2.2 Gender Inequality in Indonesia ................................................................................................ 5
2.3 The Importance of Gender Equality According to Pancasila’s Point of View ......................... 6
Chapter III Closing ............................................................................................................................. 8
3.1 Conclusion................................................................................................................................ 8
3.2 Suggestions ............................................................................................................................. 9

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Chapter I Introduction

1.1 Background
Gender equality is a subject that we constantly talk about this day. Human rights organizations
around the world are raising awareness toward this issue. This happens because many women
and girls around the world are still affected by gender inequality. Gender Equality is a very
important issue that must be taken seriously. Governments around the world and the United
Nations are striving to improve the lives of women through gender equality.

Gender-based discrimination can affect women in many ways. Women’s rights are being
violated by gender-based discrimination toward women. Women do not have the same
opportunities that men receive just because of their gender. Many people still view woman as
being inferior to man. A study from the United Nations reveals that women are still being
underrepresented in a high-level position. Data from 67 countries from 2009-2015 shows
that less than a third of senior and middle-management positions were held by women
(United Nations, 2017).

Gender inequality doesn’t just affect women’s rights but also their lives. Gender inequality
can lead to violence against women which are still happening in many parts of the world.
Domestic violence and sexual assault are examples of issues that stem from gender
inequality.

Indonesia is one of the countries in the world who has many problems related to gender
inequality. Many people in Indonesia still views women as being less than men. Many
Indonesian still believe that women’s place is in their house and their job is to serve their
husbands. This view of a woman’s role may stem from patriarchal cultures that are still tied to
Indonesian society.

The Indonesian government has a huge obligation to uphold gender equality in Indonesia.
However, this may prove to be a challenge because many people view gender equality as a
radical and liberal ideology, something that Indonesian frown upon. That is why efforts to
improve gender equality in Indonesia cannot be undertaken by the Government itself. As a

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citizen of Indonesia, it is our obligation to help change the patriarchal views toward women
and create a better Indonesia that upholds gender equality

1.2 Problem Formulation

1. What is gender equality?
2. What is the effect of gender inequality on women’s lives?
3. How is the situation of gender equality in Indonesia?
4. What is the view of Pancasila regarding the gender equality?
5. What efforts can be made to improve gender equality in Indonesia?

1.3 Research Purpose

1. Understanding gender equality
2. Understanding the effect of gender inequality on women’s lives
3. Analyzing the situation of gender equality in Indonesia
4. Understanding the view of Pancasila regarding gender equality
5. Identify possible efforts to improve gender equality in Indonesia

1.4 Benefits of Research

1.4.1 Theoretical Benefits

This paper was created to be the foundation for improving gender equality in Indonesia as a
way to eradicate gender-based discrimination against women and girls. In addition, it is hoped
this paper can help change the patriarchal views toward women.

1.4.2 Practical Benefits

1. For the government, this paper can raise awareness of the importance of gender
equality to eradicate gender-based discrimination.
2. For the community, the implementation of this paper can increase public awareness of
the importance of gender equality
3. For universities, the results of this paper can reduce gender-based violence on campus
and create an educational environment that is inclusive of all genders.
4. For the researcher, this paper can improve the researcher’s knowledge of the various
ways to improve gender equality in Indonesia

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3
Chapter II DISCUSSION

2.1 Gender Equality and Its Implication on Women

Gender Equality is one of the 17 points in the Sustainable Development Goals created by the
United Nations. This shows that Gender Equality plays a huge part to create a sustainable
world. The United Nations views gender equality as a fundamental human right that affects
women and girls all over the world.

Gender equality is a situation where men and women have equal rights, opportunities and,
responsibilities. Equality does not mean ignoring the biological difference between men and
women but it means that people are not being treated differently because of their gender
(UNDP Indonesia, 2017).

The United Nations are trying to raise awareness on the importance of gender equality to
improve the quality of life for women and girls. However, gender inequality is still rooted in
society all over the world. Gender inequality can affect women in many ways. It deprived
women of receiving basic human rights like education and healthcare. A study from the
United Nations shows that more than 225 million women don’t have access to contraceptive
methods (UN Women, 2016). Another study shows that women make up for 60 percent of the
world’s illiterate (UN Women, 2016).

Gender inequality can also lead to violence toward women. In many parts of the world,
women’s lives are threatened because of violence based on patriarchal views on women. An
example is the practice of Female genital mutilation (FGM). FGM is the practice of partially
or totally removing the external genital organs for non-medical reasons. It violates the human
rights of girls and women and causes serious and life-threatening health complications
(UNFPA, 2012). Another example is the rising number of violence against women. A study
from the United Nations shows that 35 percent of women experienced either physical and/or
sexual intimate partner violence or non-intimate partner violence (UN Women, 2016).

Gender inequality also prevents women from receiving the same opportunities as men. In
many countries, women are still viewed as inferior to men and thus cannot perform as well as
men. Many people also believe that a woman place is in the kitchen and her job is to serve her

4
husband. This view on women causes a great loss of opportunities for women. Women are
very underrepresented in the global economy and politics. A study from the United Nations
shows that fewer than a third of senior- and middle-management positions were held by
women (United Nations, 2017). Another study shows that in Indonesia women were
underrepresented in board leadership positions. Only 8.5 percent of the 411 President
Commissioners and 6.5 percent of the 413 President Directors were women (International
Labour Organization, 2015). Women all over the world are also being paid less than men.
According to the United Nations on average women in the labor market still earn 24 percent
less than men globally (UN Women, 2016).

From the above descriptions, we can tell that Gender Equality can solve many problems
caused by gender inequality. Gender equality can improve the lives of women and girls
through education and health care. It can eradicate violence and discrimination against
women. It can save women’s lives from life-threatening practices. And finally, gender equality
can improve the social welfare of women by giving them the same opportunities as men to
participate in the global economy and politic.

2.2 Gender Inequality in Indonesia

Indonesia is one of the many countries who face a huge problem with gender inequality. This
problem may stem from a patriarchal culture that still intertwined with Indonesian society. The
road to gender equality in Indonesia begins with Kartini, a national hero, who fought for the
concept of women’s rights. Throughout the years, gender equality movement in Indonesia has
flourished. However, if we look at the facts, gender inequality still holds its roots in Indonesia.

If we look at Indonesian women’s role in the economy, we will see proofs of the existence of
gender inequality in Indonesia. Though Indonesia has experienced sensible growth in
economy, women still do not play a large part in it. If we look at the number of workers based
on gender, Indonesia women are still underrepresented with 40,186,363 people while the
number of male workers is 67,944,695 people (Al Uyun, 2014). Indonesian women are also
underrepresented in a high-level position. A study shows that Indonesia women were
underrepresented in board leadership positions. Only 8.5 percent of the 411 President
Commissioners and 6.5 percent of the 413 President Directors were women (International

5
Labour Organization, 2015). Women in Indonesia also earn less many than men. A study from
Monash University shows that Indonesian women earn 42 percent less than their male
counterparts" (Cameron, 2016).

Child marriage is another critical problem that stems from gender inequality in Indonesia. In
2015, the national average of children marrying before age 18 was 22.8 percent (UNICEF,
2016). The rising number of child marriage is alarming because child marriage often times
lead to violence against women. Violence against women, especially sexual violence, is a very
common issue in Indonesia. A study shows that in 2016, 38 percent of partnered women aged
14-64 in West Papua experienced at least one form of physical and/or sexual violence by a
male intimate partner in their lifetime (UNDP, 2016).

Gender inequality in Indonesia is caused by the absence of strong laws that support gender
equality. For example, The 1974 Marriage Law states that parental consent is required for all
marriages under the age of 21. This means that with parental consent, females can legally
marry at the age of 16 and males at 19. However, this law encourages child marriage because
many parents, especially in remote places in Indonesia, want their daughters to marry young
instead of continuing their studies.

From the above descriptions, we can conclude that Indonesia still faces a huge gender
inequality problem. Gender inequality heavily affects women’s life in Indonesia. It deprives
women of their basic rights and causes violence against women. The government needs to
start raising awareness of gender equality and create stronger laws that will protect women’s
rights.

2.3 The Importance of Gender Equality According to Pancasila’s Point of View

Indonesia is a country that embraces Pancasila as an ideology. Pancasila consists of five points
that reflect the value of Indonesian and the Indonesian government. Pancasila also contains the
purpose of the Indonesian government.

The second point of Pancasila, which is “Kemanusiaan yang Adil dan Beradab”, reflects that
Indonesia believes and uphold the human rights of its people. Women’s rights are part of
human rights. This means that the government has an obligation to create a nation that protects

6
and fulfill the rights of women and girls. Indonesia must not tolerate any gender-based
violence or discrimination toward women. However, in many parts of Indonesia, women’s
rights are still being violated. Women and girls in Indonesia are being deprived of their rights.
They face violence and discrimination for the simple fact that they were born as female.

If Indonesia truly embraces Pancasila as an ideology, then we must work to protect women’s
rights in Indonesia. The government and the citizen of Indonesia must work together in order
to eliminate gender inequality and protect women’s rights in Indonesia. Stronger laws are
needed to protect women’s rights. In this, the government must listen to women’s concern
regarding the violation of women’s rights. The government must also ban practices that violate
women’s rights such as, child marriage. The government also need to ensure equal wage
between men and women. The wage gap issue in Indonesia can lead to another alarming issue
which is Poverty.

Indonesian citizens also have a huge part to protect women’s rights. We need to change our
perspective on women. We must understand that while there are biological differences
between men and women, that doesn’t mean that men and women are not equal. Women are
as capable as men. We need to create bigger opportunities for women to become productive
members of our society.

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Chapter III Closing

3.1 Conclusion
Gender equality is a situation where men and women are treated equally. It’s a situation where
men and women have the same rights, opportunities, and responsibilities. Equality does not
mean disregarding the biological differences between men and women. It means that people
are not being treated differently because of their genders.

The United Nations are raising awareness on the importance of gender equality. This is
because gender inequality still persists in many parts of the world. Women and girls around
the world are still affected by gender inequality. Gender inequality can deprive women of
basic human rights. It can lead to gender-based violence and discrimination toward women. It
can put women in life-threatening conditions. It robs women of opportunities to play an
important role in their society.

In Indonesia, gender inequality is a problem that still deeply rooted in our society. This may
stem from a patriarchal view of society toward women. Many Indonesian still believe that
women are inferior to men and their jobs is to serve their husbands. Women in Indonesia are
still underrepresented in high-level positions. The wage gap between men and women in
Indonesia is also very prominent. Many women in Indonesia also face life-threatening
violence from the partners.

As a nation that embraces Pancasila as its ideology, Indonesia needs to uphold gender
equality. According to the second Point of Pancasila which is “Kemanusian yang Adil dan
Beradab”, Indonesia protects the human rights of its people. As we know, women’s rights are
part of human rights, thus the government has the responsibility to protect women rights. By
protecting women’s rights we can achieve gender equality in Indonesia.

Gender equality can improve the lives of not just women but all Indonesian. Women are the
mothers that will raise the future generations. If women’s rights are protected they can live a
better life and provide a better life for their children.Thus, those children are able to create a
better and more sustainable world.

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3.2 Suggestions
1. Change society perspective on women
Gender inequality often stems from a patriarchal society view of women. In some parts
of the world, women are still seen as inferior and to men. We can’t achieve gender
equality without first changing this perspective first. This can be achieved through
seminars that will help society better understand gender equality.
2. Create better laws that protect women’s rights
The violation of women’s rights can happen because there are no real consequences of
it. The government has the obligation to create stronger laws that protect women’s
rights. By giving severe punishment to the violators, violence against women can be
reduced.
3. Ban practices that discriminate women
In some parts of Indonesia, people still practice tradition that violates women’s rights
and discriminate women. For example, child marriage is a practice that still happens in
some parts of Indonesia. Without strong laws that prohibit the practice, people will
continue marrying their children at a young age. The government has a responsibility
to ban these practices through stronger laws.
4. Provide quality education to women
Through education, women can understand their rights better. Education also provides
the knowledge women’s need to create a better life. With education, women can make
their own decision and are less likely to experience discrimination.
5. Stop Sexual Violence Against Women
Sexual violence is a problem that still exists in Indonesia. Reducing sexual violence
can be done through a couple of ways, for example, creating separate space for men
and women in public transportation. We can also help women who experience sexual
violence by giving them the support they need. It is also important to not judge women
who have gone through sexual violence and instead help them to reassimilate into
society.

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Al Uyun, D. (2014). Women â€TM s Rights in Indonesian Constitution. International Journal
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Cameron, L. (2016). Gender Inequality in Indonesia’s Labour Market. Monash Universities,

1–2. Retrieved from http://phys.org/news/2016-02-gender-inequality-indonesia-
labour.html

International Labour Organization. (2015). Gaining Momentum. Retrieved from

https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/content/documents/1770ILO Report 2015.pdf

UN Women. (2016). Women and Sustainable Development Goals. Retrieved from

https://doi.org/10.1108/eb010586

UNDP. (2016). Study on Women’s and Men’s Health and Life Experiences in Papua,
Indonesia. Papua. Retrieved from
http://www.id.undp.org/content/dam/indonesia/2016/press-doc/Papua Final Report OK-
2.pdf?download%0A

UNDP Indonesia. (2017). Change Makers Programming For Gender Equality And Helping
Men And Women In Indonesia Shape A Fairer World. Jakarta. Retrieved from
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UNFPA. (2012). Demographic Perspectives on Female Genital Mutilation. Retrieved from

https://doi.org/10.1108/IJHRH-05-2015-0017

UNICEF. (2016). Child Marriage in Indonesia : Progress on Pause. Retrieved from

https://www.unicef.org/indonesia/UNICEF_Indonesia_Child_Marriage_Reserach_Brief_
.pdf

United Nations. (2017). Progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Report of the
Secretary-General, E/2017/66(May), 19. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0020818300006640

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