Assessing state commitment to gender equality: A feminist legal perspective on legislative processes in Indonesia and beyond

Abstract

This study determines how feminism evaluates the State's understanding of and commitment to gender equality in the legislative process. The sociolegal research method was utilised, and the primary theoretical framework that guided this investigation was feminist legal theory. Although this research is focused on the experiences of Indonesia, the findings of this study can also serve as a reflection of those of other countries. Even though gender equality is strongly linked to discrimination based on gender, the public often views it as inconsequential. The establishment of the CEDAW, a milestone in the fight against gender inequality, especially for women, pushes the State or government to ratify the Convention by making it a national law. CEDAW does not guarantee that a country is free from all forms of discrimination against women; more measures are needed, such as establishing a law to eliminate gender discrimination and realising and preserving the right. Legislation, as intended, is inadequate for guaranteeing that gender discrimination has been eliminated from a country; a solid commitment to attaining gender equality, in short, respecting the law and its execution, is essential. Law enforcement, removing discrimination, and protecting human rights are closely related. This study will show how law and its enforcement affect gender equality in Indonesia. Dedication to gender equality can be used as a reference for legal relations and gender equality enforcement, which can be used as a resource for legal change and the recognition that gender equality is not a small matter and demands state commitment.