Advancing Indonesian Women in STEM
Jakarta, 6 May 2024 — At the latest USAID HEPI Forum 2024, hosted at BINUS University @ Senayan—JWC Campus, we emphasized the importance of women in STEM as a crucial part of our collaborative partnership with the USAID Higher Education Partnership Initiative. This event was a testament to the power of collaboration and shared vision.
The forum focuses on addressing women’s integral role through support and a platform that showcases their abilities to address societal issues.
As an affiliate university, BINUS University plays an important role in this Forum. Women leaders in this institution have proven that they shaped the conversation in their field.
Take the example of one of the speakers, Dr. Nunung Nurul Qomariah, S.Kom., M.T., PhD as Senior Researcher & Subject Content Coordinator, Computer Science Program, BINUS University, who shared the commitment to create a project within the program that can encourage girls to be hands-on with the project.
She emphasized that the curriculum is designed not just to help them understand the complexities of the subject but also to learn how to collaborate effectively with the opposite genders. This initiative is already making a significant impact, encouraging girls to be more hands-on and confident in their abilities.
“The collaboration with USAID-HEPI so far has shown our commitment to developing the next great minds,” said Prof. Dr. Tirta Nugraha Mursitama, Ph.D. as Vice-Rector Collaboration & Global Engagement of BINUS University.
It is imperative for society to recognize and embrace the fact that women have the same opportunities as men to excel in their chosen fields. This understanding is a crucial step towards creating a more inclusive and equal environment.
“From the beginning (recruitment), women should envision the career outlook they will have with us,” said the HR & GA General Manager of PT Packet System Indonesia.
This same spirit was also mentioned during the afternoon session where the CEO of Bubu.com, Shinta Witoyo Dhanuwardoyo.
“I am committed to ensuring that women can realize the potential of digital technology and be able to use it – since it is impossible not to have knowledge about this.”
Deputy Mission Director for USAID Indonesia Erin Nicholson, who attended the Forum, shared her thoughts on the importance of widening women’s opportunities. She mentioned that access is important, but it takes a village to ensure that women are interested in being part of this movement.
In the recent USAID HEPI Forum 2024, there is a pressing need for society to acknowledge and harness the capabilities of women to their fullest extent. Echoed by industry leaders and forum speakers, the importance of ensuring equal opportunities and nurturing supportive environments for women in STEM cannot be overstated.