There have been many evidences that show the capability of women in business activities in the field of animal husbandry and agriculture. The great role undertaken by women ranges from food processing to producing fast food.
"Indeed, women’s role is a very covert role, but it is very time consuming," said Ir. Yuni Mundari, MMA at the National Seminar on Encouraging Women to be Independent and Competitive in Livestock Development, held at the Auditorium of Drh. R. Soepardjo Faculty of Animal Sciences UGM, Wednesday (20/4).
The agricultural associate counselor of Sleman regency said that many women are involved in agriculture and animal husbandry, but unfortunately, not united in a group.
"In Sleman, not more than 10 percent of women in this field join a group. Most women are working in the processing field, especially vegetables. Most of them are also involved in various kinds of activities, such as the capital strengthening and yard management system," said Yuni.
Meanwhile, the chairman of Yogyakarta Women’s Empowerment Movement, Tri Kirana Muslidatun, S.Psi., Said that the challenge for women in the global era is increasing. Enforcement of ASEAN Economic Community allows trades without boundaries between ASEAN countries with possible elimination of taxes.
"Of course in the end, not only the products but also human resources that compete with each other,"Tri Kirana said.
Tri Kirana talked about the phenomenon of human resource exchanges in Asia. With low fee rates at their countries, Pakistani and the Philippines would be the threat to Indonesian human resource.
"We should be prepared. Therefore, it is necessary for us to have persistence and perseverance because competition is no longer with Kulonprogro, Gunung Kidul or Sleman regencies only, but we are competing with the Philippines or Malaysia," she explained.
Dean of the Faculty of Animal Sciences, Prof. Dr. Ir. Ali Agus, DAA., DEA., welcomed the seminar to commemorate Kartini Day in 2016. Despite challenges, women are seen to have a huge success in business activities of livestock.
"It is necessary to motivate women to be able to contribute more in productive economic activities, including through seminars," Ali Agus said.
This seminar was held to summarize the government priorities in this field. It is expected to develop the spirit of women to actively participate in nation’s development.