Gender Equality | Risk Management, Economic Sustainability, and Actuarial Science Development in Indonesia

Gender equality is one of the topics getting more and more attention in Indonesia, as it ensures that women and men receive the tailored support they need to achieve similar outcomes. As an example, project data on gender-based analysis indicate that a large number of girls and women enroll in mathematics and actuarial mathematics programs – in many instances comprising a majority. Female actuarial science students and accredited actuaries likewise tend to excel in their field. Preliminary data and observations, however, which are currently being verified through the project’s baseline data collection efforts, indicate that once women enter the actuarial science profession they are less likely than men to assume senior and leadership roles (gender-sensitive indicators). The reasons for these inequities are not yet clear and will constitute one of the topics upon which the project’s gender equity activities will focus.

“Women’s empowerment is central to achieving gender equality. Through empowerment, women become aware of unequal power relations, gain control over their lives, and acquire a greater voice to overcome inequality in their home, workplace and community.” (Global Affairs Canada, Gender equality, policy and tools). Research on gender equity and equality in the actuarial science milieu, and the experiences of women and men in the milieu – both at the university level and within the profession – will also receive attention through the project’s various research initiatives.

Global Affairs Canada’s Gender Equality Policy for Development Assistance Objectives

(Global Affairs Canada, Gender equality, policy and tools):

To advance women's equal participation with men as decision-makers in shaping the sustainable development of their societies.
To support women and girls in the realization of their full human rights.
To reduce gender inequalities in access to and control over the resources and benefits of development.

Gender Equality Terms

Global Affairs Canada, Gender equality, policy and tools

Gender Balanced

refers to promoting equal numbers of women and men in consultations, decision-making structures, and other activities and roles. Gender balance implies full participation, voice and decision-making authority for both women and men. To achieve gender balance, special measures may need to be put in place. For example, increased gender balanced participation of women and men in decision-making at the community level.

Gender Equitable

refers to policies, practices, regulations, etc. that ensure equal outcomes for women and men based on gender analysis. For example, strengthened gender equitable economic growth.

Gender Responsive

refers to an approach to programs, policies, budgets, etc. that assesses and responds to the different needs/interests of women and men, girls and boys, as well as to the different impacts projects have on them. Through gender responsive programming, gender gaps in decision-making, access, control and rights can be reduced. For example, strengthened gender responsive planning and budgeting.

Gender Sensitive

refers to approaches incorporating gender analysis and gender equality perspectives. It reflects an awareness of the ways people think about gender, so that individuals rely less on assumptions about traditional and outdated views on the roles of men and women. For example, gender sensitive training will challenge gender stereotypes and bias, and provide examples to ensure that women and men (girls and boys) are involved and benefit equally; e.g. enhanced gender sensitive curriculum.