The Australia Awards are prestigious, transformational scholarships and short courses offered to emerging leaders for study, research and professional development in Australia
11 April 2025
Breaking Barriers: Women with Psychosocial Disabilities in Higher Education – GEDSI Panel for IWD 2025
To celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, Australia Awards in Indonesia (AAI), in collaboration with Perhimpunan Jiwa Sehat (PJS), hosted the second GEDSI Alumni Network meeting on 19 March 2025. Themed ‘Breaking Through Universities for Women with Psychosocial Disabilities,’ the online discussion shed light on the often-overlooked experiences of women living with psychosocial disabilities in higher education.
Women with psychosocial disabilities often face deep-rooted stigma and misconceptions, which can severely limit their access to educational opportunities. Despite these challenges, many persist in their pursuit of higher education and careers with remarkable resilience. This event provided a vital space to listen to their stories and reflect on the importance of fostering inclusive learning environments.
The panel featured three inspiring women: Levriana Yustriani, an Australia Awards alumna; Salwa Paramita, an alumna of Beasiswa Unggulan from the Indonesian Ministry of Education; and Atiqoh, an LPDP scholar studying in the UK. They shared compelling personal narratives about navigating mental health challenges while pursuing their academic goals in Indonesia, Australia, and the UK. Each story highlighted the significant impact of access to reasonable accommodations and supportive communities in their educational journeys.
Complementing these personal stories, representatives from Universitas Gadjah Mada, UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, LPDP, and AAI spoke about the importance of inclusive policies and practical support mechanisms for students. The discussion also explored how academic communities can create empathetic and empowering environments.
Moderated by Australian alumni, Fatum Ade from PJS, and Professor Alimatul Qibtiyah from UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta, the event fostered open dialogue among alumni, scholars, universities, and funding bodies. Levriana Yustriani’s story stood out, demonstrating how access to appropriate support systems during her studies in Australia enabled her to thrive despite her bipolar condition.
Ultimately, the session underscored that meaningful inclusion is not a singular effort—it requires ongoing commitment and collaboration at every level. Through shared experiences and collective dialogue, the event reinforced the need for continuous efforts to ensure equitable access to education for all, particularly women with psychosocial disabilities.
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