A delegation from the Committee on Legislation of the Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat (Indonesian House of Regional Representatives) and representative of the Indonesian Ambassador H.E. Dienne Moehario, Ms. Cicilia Rusdiharini, Minister and Counselor for Political Affairs and the representative of the Indonesian Consul General Toronto, Mr. Sudarsono Soedirlan, Consul for Social and Culture Affairs were welcomed by Ms. Almas Jiwani, President of UN Women Canada in Toronto on April 30th 2012 in Toronto for a high profile discussion on gender equality and women’s empowerment. The crux of the discussion between the Indonesian delegation and Ms. Jiwani centered on the transformative role of non-governmental organizations and civil societies in influencing policy making concerning gender equality. Ms. Jiwani and the Representative of the Indonesian Ambassador, Ms. Rusdiharini were expected to exchange views regarding the monitoring, evaluation and implementation of gender sensitive policy in Canada. In the course of her discussions with the delegation and Honourable Rusdiharini, Ms. Jiwani also discussed tangible strategies on how Indonesia can empower women and girls through gender sensitive legislation and gender based budgeting focusing on gender equality.
