Jakarta, March 9 -- Deputy Speaker of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Lestari Moerdijat called for stronger participation of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) to strengthen national competitiveness and innovation.

She said available data show a persistent gender gap in STEM education and employment in Indonesia, a concern as the sector underpins knowledge-based economic growth and the country's ongoing digital transformation.

"Many women excel in science and mathematics, yet they still face social barriers and gender stereotypes that limit their participation," she said in Jakarta on Monday.

Moerdijat cited 2024 data from the International Labour Organization showing women account for around 35 p...