Why Are Taxes Important for Women?

The issue of gender equality has now become a very common thing to discuss in relation to community welfare. In several cases that have gone viral recently, it shows that the existence of women in the public environment can still be said to be insecure.

The rise of cases of violence, both physical and psychological that occurs to women is not something we should be silent about. Mentioned in the book Profile of Indonesian Women 2020 published by the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection of the Republic of Indonesia, violence is one of the obstacles for women to progress. Based on data obtained by the Online Information System for the Protection of Women and Children (PPA Symphony), during January-December 2019 there were 8,745 reported cases of violence against adult women.

In addition to cases of violence, the book also explains various things that show the differences in facilities obtained by women. In the field of education, the average length of schooling (RLS) for the male population aged 15 years and over is higher than the female population. In 2019, the RLS of the male population reached 9.08 years, while the female population only reached 8.42 years.

As for the health sector, it is stated that women experience higher health complaints than men. As many as 51.99 percent of the female population in Indonesia experience health complaints, but almost half of them do not involve medical personnel in handling their health complaints.

The level of internet access, employment, or even business loan application shows that the position of women always occupies a percentage below the male population. This is because some of the requirements for women are usually more complex than men.

This is where taxes have a very important role in the existence of women. Taxes are a major development tool that can be managed as a “balance” for the various gaps that women often get.

First, taxes are a means of equitable development. There is no question that taxes are the most credible and reliable source of state revenue. Tax is one of the main keys that can reduce the gap between high-income people and low-income people, the gap in facilities between women and men.

With taxes, public facilities can be broadly improved so that their utilization reaches even the lowest point of society. There is no difference in access to public facilities provided by the government. All are equal and anyone has the right to enjoy these facilities.

Second, taxes can reduce violence against women. Women have a very important role in the sustainability of a life, both within the family and society. However, violence against women and children seems to be something that cannot be removed from everyday life.

Komnas Perempuan said that there will be at least 2,500 cases of sexual violence against women in 2021, an increase of 100 cases compared to 2020. Cases of sexual violence against women can occur anywhere, even in an environment that we consider safe such as an educational environment or even a home.

This shows that tax management should now focus more on dealing with issues related to violence against women. The provision of security facilities also needs to be improved considering that there are not a few cases of harassment that occur in the public environment such as public transportation or even other open places.

Women have many risks when interacting with the outside world which sometimes takes advantage of their vulnerable points. Therefore, social protections that are accessible to women need to be fully supported by the state so that each woman can be guaranteed the protection and rights she has.

Third, taxes help women get a better education. According to the world organization UN Women, it is stated that if all women in the world complete their basic education, then the death due to childbirth is estimated to decrease by about 2 out of 3 cases found, and child mortality can decrease by about 15 percent.

In the 2022 State Budget Law, the government’s budget allocated for education increased by 0.2 percent, which was Rp. 541.7 trillion compared to the 2021 allocation which was Rp. 540.3 trillion.

This shows that the education sector is still the government’s highest priority. Because it is undeniable, that education is one of the main factors that affect the level of progress of a country.

The existence of educational disparities experienced by women and men arises due to the economic capacity of the community. Women do not have free access to education because of the stigma shared by most people. Even though the distribution of development in the regions can also be achieved if the people have a sufficient level of education.

Therefore, the role of taxes in the APBN, especially in the field of education, is very necessary so that every child born, both male and female, will have the same guaranteed access to education.

Fourth, taxes help women access more secure health facilities. Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin said the death rate due to childbirth in Indonesia is still very high, which is around 300 cases out of 100 thousand inhabitants. In addition to death due to childbirth, women in Indonesia are also vulnerable to both physical and psychological trauma due to the violence they experience.

The government’s focus on the health budget is an important step so that the community, especially women, can access health facilities properly and safely.

Ease of access such as close reach, quality facilities, as well as being friendly to women are points that also need to be considered so that public health, especially pregnant women and children will be more secure.

The next generation of a strong nation will never be separated from the role of a woman. With taxes, let’s together create a more female-friendly world. Because of Strong Taxes, Indonesia is Advanced.