Protection Of Women’s and Children’s Rights as The Main Pillar in Achieving Inclusive and Sustainable Development

Abstract

Inclusive and sustainable development requires that no one is left behind. In this context, women and children play a vital role while simultaneously being the most vulnerable groups to discrimination, violence, and marginalization. Women and children often remain in subordinated positions. The high rates of gender-based violence, child marriage, unequal access to education, and stunting indicate that the fulfillment of their fundamental rights has not yet been optimal. Development will never truly reach a “sustainable” state if the human rights of half of the population (women) are not fulfilled, and the nation’s future generation (children) grows under the shadow of exploitation. This article aims to examine the significance of protecting women’s and children’s rights as a core pillar of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agenda, as well as to evaluate the legal framework and its implementation challenges in Indonesia. This research uses a normative juridical method with a library research approach. Data analysis is conducted descriptively and qualitatively. The findings show that women’s empowerment and child protection have a direct impact on improving human resource quality and long-term economic growth. Although national legal instruments have developed significantly, cultural barriers in the form of patriarchal norms and structural inequality remain major obstacles. Gender mainstreaming and integrated fulfillment of children’s rights are required in all state policies to achieve fair, inclusive, and sustainable development.