MUHAMMADIYAH.ID, PALEMBANG– The Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture (Menko PMK) Muhadjir Effendy stated that the poverty rate of women is higher that of men.

“The poverty occurring to women is due to several factors such as their age (being old) and status (being single). Thus, Nasyiatul Aisyiyah (NA) should play roles in the poverty reduction,” declared Muhadjir, who is also Chairman of the Central Board of Muhamamdiyah for Primary, Secondary and Higher Education, in the closing of Tanwir II (a conference prior to the congress) in Ballroom of Swarna Dwipa Hotel, Palembang on Sunday (10/11).

Besides, Muhadjir highlighted gender inequality in Indonesia since men still dominate many sectors.

“Hence, the NA possesses essential roles in economic and political sectors,” he asserted.

Muhadjir also talked about issues of food security, water resistance, energy security, environment, and stunting which becomes the focus of a national program.

“The NA has initiated earlier than government to confront stunting. Stunting refers to the impaired physical and mental growth and development that children experience from poor nutrition. It occurs because of a failure of taking care of children before they are born,” he explained.

Public engagement in facing the stunting is an effort to create excellent human resources.

Muhadjir mentioned the significant of premarital literacy since a couple will gain adequate information of how to mold great human resources and to impede children from stunting.

“The NA having a program of a peaceful family should begin training in coining a good family. Stunting is not merely about poor nutrition, but it is regarding parent’s lack understanding of the pregnancy. Therefore, I with that NA always commits to stamping out stunting,” he maintained.