TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - To commemorate International Women's Day 2026, L'Oréal reaffirms its role in promoting women's advancement with a call to action together: providing a sense of security as a foundation, opening access to equal opportunities, and recognizing women's contributions in various fields.
Indonesian women continue to show impressive progress in various fields, from journalism and diplomacy to science and the creative industry. Despite this progress, the journey towards equality still leaves significant work to be done.
Globally, the world still needs approximately 135 years to achieve full economic equality. To accelerate the progress towards equality, women need a sense of security as a foundation, access to equal opportunities, and support that allows them to thrive without structural barriers.
Gender-Based Violence Remains a Threat
Data from the National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan)'s 2024 CATAHU (Community Violence Against Women) recorded 445,502 cases of Gender-Based Violence against Women (KBGtP) in Indonesia throughout 2024, an increase of more than 43,000 cases compared to the previous year. The majority of cases occurred in the personal sphere, with 309,516 cases, followed by the public or community sphere with 12,004 cases. Amidst the development of the digital world, gender-based violence is also increasingly prevalent online, increasing the risks women face in their daily lives.
Dr. Livia Iskandar, Psychologist and Acting Executive Director of the Pulih Foundation, explained that this high number is not an isolated phenomenon. Gender-based violence is rooted in gender-based injustice, abuse of power relations, and patriarchal culture. If we compare it to a tree, the visible violence is only the leaves. The root of the problem lies in a lack of education, unequal relationships, and a system that does not fully support victims. Therefore, prevention must target the roots through education, supportive support, and easy access to assistance.
The forms of violence reported are diverse. Sexual violence was the most frequently reported at 36.43 percent, followed by psychological violence at 26.94 percent, physical violence at 26.78 percent, and economic violence at 9.84 percent. These figures confirm that violence is not a distant issue from everyday life, and can occur in both public and private spheres.
Women Need Access and Opportunities to Go Further
L’Oréal Indonesia held a media gathering Beauty That Moves: International Women’s Day on Thursday, March 5, 2026 in Jakarta with speakers Dr. Livia Iskandar, Psychologist, Acting Executive Director of the Pulih Foundation, Psychologist Agata Paskarista, and Melanie Masriel, Chief of Corporate Affairs, Engagement & Sustainability L’Oréal Indonesia /Photo: Doc. L’Oréal Indonesia
Melanie Masriel, Chief of Corporate Affairs, Engagement & Sustainability at L’Oréal Indonesia, stated, “For us, celebrating women is not something seasonal, but part of our corporate identity. Women are not only the majority of our consumers, but also our employees, innovators, and future talent who shape the direction of the company every day.
International Women’s Day is a moment of reflection and commitment to continue pushing for greater equality. Therefore, we strive to present three things we believe are essential for women’s advancement: a sense of security as a foundation, real opportunities for growth, and recognition of their contributions and potential. "We believe that when women advance, the impact will be felt much more broadly," she explained.
Building a sense of security is the first step. Without access to education, formal employment, and a clear career path, women's potential often stalls. Statistics Indonesia (BPS) data for 2025 shows that women in Indonesia still represent 36.66 percent of formal workers.
On the other hand, around 40 percent of women have taken career breaks to fulfill caregiving and family responsibilities. When women's access to economic opportunities is limited, their contributions to family, community, and economic growth are hindered.
To address this need, L'Oréal Indonesia provides comprehensive support through various initiatives designed to strengthen women's independence and career sustainability. Through Beauty for a Better Life, L'Oréal provides free certified hairdressing and makeup training for women with socioeconomic limitations. From 2014 to 2023, this program has helped 3,749 women gain skills and access to jobs, thereby becoming more economically independent.
For women who want to return to work after a career break, the Career Reconnect Program offers a pathway This is the first returnship program in Indonesia specifically designed to help them rebuild their professional confidence and reconnect with the world of work.
Meanwhile, through Hairducation, L’Oréal partners with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to strengthen the quality of vocational high schools (SMK) majoring in Hairdressing. To date, 88 teachers from 46 SMKNs have been trained, and more than 4,200 graduates are ready to enter the Indonesian hairdressing industry, serving as a bridge between education and the world of work.
In addition to opening access, L’Oréal also believes that recognizing women’s contributions plays a crucial role in strengthening their self-confidence and sustaining their impact. When women feel seen and valued, they are more willing to take up space and lead change.
“For L’Oréal, empowerment isn’t just about opening doors. It’s about ensuring women have the tools to step forward, the space to grow, and the recognition that gives them legitimacy to lead change.” "When opportunities are truly opened and contributions are truly recognized, women not only transform their own lives but also create a broader impact on their families, communities, and the future of Indonesia," concluded Melanie Masriel.
To prevent violence in public spaces, L'Oréal Paris presents the Stand Up Against Sexual Violence in Public Spaces program, which aims to raise awareness and equip the public with safe intervention steps.
All women must realize their worth and be free from various forms of harassment, which unfortunately remains a major issue for women globally and in Indonesia. We believe that safe public spaces are the foundation for women to be able to carry out their activities, work, and develop optimally. "Therefore, we are introducing the 5D methodology, five simple steps that anyone can safely follow; "Starting from being redirected, reprimanded, reported, calmed, and documented," said Rosyanti Chijanadi, Brand General Manager of L'Oréal Paris.
In the personal realm, YSL Beauty, in collaboration with the Pulih Foundation, is presenting the global program Abuse Is Not Love to raise awareness about violence in relationships.
Venesia Rizani, Business Unit General Manager of YSL Beauty & Armani Beauty, explained that YSL Beauty is a brand that celebrates liberation. However, sometimes that freedom is hampered by personal relationships that restrict and take away that freedom—often without realizing it.
"Through Abuse Is Not Love, we educate the public about the nine signs of violence in relationships so that people can recognize it early: ignoring, belittling, controlling, manipulating, threatening, jealousy, intrusion, isolation, and intimidation."
Read: Ring the Bell for Gender Equality 2025: Promoting Gender Equality in the Workplace
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