Efforts to Promote Inclusive, Gender-Responsive Development that Can Address the Impacts of Climate Change Continue to be Strengthened in Mempawah Regency
One such effort was the Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue on the Synchronization of Gender-Responsive Development and Climate Change Adaptation Policies, held by Gemawan at the Hall of the Mempawah Forest Management Unit (UPT KPH) some time ago.
The event brought together various stakeholders, including regional apparatus organizations, government agencies, civil society organizations, women’s groups, as well as representatives of farmers and communities assisted by Gemawan.
Several involved institutions included the Mempawah Regency Development Planning Agency (Bapperida), the Agriculture, Food Security and Fisheries Service, the Investment Office, Cooperatives, SMEs and PTSP, the Transportation and Environment Service, the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), the Mempawah KPH UPT, the Sadaniang District Agricultural Extension Center, Jaring Pedas Mempawah, the Mempawah Women’s Union (SPKM), and various other community groups.
Coordinator of Gemawan for the Mempawah Region, Lani Ardiansyah, familiarly known as Ucup, stated that the dialogue served as a platform to strengthen collaboration between the government and the community in designing development that can address various social, economic, and environmental challenges.
“Through this activity, we aim to create a dialogue space that involves various parties, both relevant OPDs and Gemawan-assisted community groups, so that programs implemented can align with community needs,” he said.
According to him, the increasingly noticeable impacts of climate change demand the creation of more adaptive policies. These impacts affect not only the environment but also the community’s economic livelihood, especially women and farmers who are highly dependent on natural resources.
“Therefore, development needs to be designed more responsively to strengthen community resilience while enhancing sustainable well-being,” he added.
On that occasion, the Expert Staff to the Regent of Mempawah, Kurdiah, expressed appreciation for Gemawan’s active role in assisting communities and building partnerships with the local government.
He revealed that Mempawah Regency’s current economic growth has reached 8.24 percent. Meanwhile, the product processing sector contributes approximately 25 percent to that growth.
“Strengthening the capacity of community groups, particularly women and farmers, is crucial for driving more inclusive and sustainable economic growth,” he said.
Kurdiah expressed hope that the various assistance programs conducted by Gemawan would have a tangible impact on improving community welfare and regional economic growth.
“I hope that Gemawan’s assistance activities can contribute to economic growth and increase the Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) of Mempawah Regency,” he said.
Meanwhile, a member of Gemawan’s Board of Directors, Hermawansyah, explained that the synchronization of gender-responsive development policies is part of the effort to encourage the emergence of “STRONG Women” groups in Mempawah Regency.
“This synchronization of gender-responsive development policies is intended to promote women’s empowerment,” he said.
He explained that the “STRONG Women” concept initiated by Gemawan encompasses strengthening women’s capacities in various fields, ranging from leadership, economic business development, agroforestry management, to the use of technology.
“Our hope through the implementation of this gender-responsive development synchronization is the emergence of STRONG Women groups—women who are strong in leadership, entrepreneurship, agroforestry, and technology,” he clarified.
Source: Pontianak Post