Freedom of speech is a fundamental right for citizens, especially in the democratic process. However, polarization has shaped public opinion and led to a decreased ability among people to accept differences, which should naturally exist even as we strive to achieve a better common future. Furthermore, a more insidious issue lies in the gender biases that pervade media reporting. This often-unacknowledged problem is deeply embedded in the daily news we consume. The media plays an important role as a voice to represent the needs of marginalized communities, including women, for equality and inclusiveness.

A workshop on gender equality and social inclusion was held in Jakarta on August 15-16, 2024, inviting several leading women-led media outlets. The main goal of this Women's Media Collab initiative was to encourage cooperation among media by sharing strategies and identifying common approaches.

Through the workshop, UNDP, in collaboration with the Indonesian Institute of Journalism, aims to spark discussions among media professionals about the need for GESI mainstreaming in the media. Participants from various regions shared pressing gender issues in their areas. In Manado, North Sulawesi province, for instance, there is a challenge of high rates of underage prostitution due to low literacy on gender-based violence.

In Aceh province, community groups have misconceptions about the implementation of Sharia law, caused by a lack of access to accurate information. 
Bengkulu lacks detailed reporting on sexual violence cases that could help the public to mitigate the crime, rather than just being commentators. 
In Bandung, West Java province, there are many cases of women falling victim to online loan sharks. Meanwhile, in Jakarta, there is a need to understand the impact of the wave of layoffs and changes in business practices for women.

Through several regional and national programs, UNDP supports various initiatives engaging the media as agents of change. Through activities like Business and Human Rights, for example, Sagita Adesywi, a Business, and Human Rights Specialist, stated, "It is important for us to ensure media involvement in supporting the creation of safe spaces for women, especially to ensure the principle of gender equality for the wider community, including in business practices that support gender equality."

Devi Nugraha, Communications Analyst for UNDP Indonesia, added, "UNDP understands that the media is a critical component in building democracy. Through our interventions, we aim to empower, strengthen, and engage the media as advocates for accountable governance and to amplify the voices of those who are often unheard." This aligns with the mission of the Sustainable Development Goals for justice, equality, and inclusive governance.