GEDSI Alumni Network: A Platform for Diversity and Inclusion Advocacy

An initial meeting and brainstorming session was recently held to gather input on creating a GEDSI Alumni Network Forum that will foster knowledge sharing, skill development, and advocacy for diversity and inclusion. The network enthusiastically supports sharing experiences and championing good practice.

The Australia Awards in Indonesia (AAI) Gender Equity, Disability Inclusion, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) Alumni Forum held its first discussion in Jakarta on 31 July. The Australia Awards in Indonesia (AAI) Gender Equity, Disability Inclusion, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) Alumni Forum held its first discussion in Jakarta on 31 July. This brainstorming session invited a number of alumni from Masters Awards, PhD Awards, Short Course, and ELTA Programs, representing alumni from government sectors, NGOs, the creative industry, grassroots movements, and other lines of work to ensure all groups of alumni were represented.

GEDSI principles are central to all AAI programs, which provide opportunities to individuals from diverse backgrounds.

The formation of the AAI GEDSI Alumni Network Forum is part of the AAI strategy to enhance alumni knowledge and skills on GEDSI.

The new forum aligns with AAI’s goal of enabling a diverse group of alumni with skills and knowledge to drive inclusive and sustainable development in Indonesia. Additionally, the alumni help strengthen diplomatic ties between Indonesia and Australia.

Vina Andriani, Enrichment and Linkages Senior Manager at Australia Awards in Indonesia, said the new forum aimed to create a safe space for AAI alumni to ask questions, share experiences, learn collaboratively, and discuss GEDSI principles.

"Through the forum, members are expected to deepen their understanding and strengthen their commitment to promoting and applying GEDSI perspectives in both their professional and personal lives,” Vina explained. “Additionally, this network will serve as a platform to foster social connections and a sense of community among AAI alumni, enabling them to share and collaborate on GEDSI best practices."

Fajri Nursyamsi, a researcher at Pusat Studi Hukum dan Kebijakan or PSHK (the Centre for Law and Policy Study) and the Australia Awards Short Course alumnus, also attended the first meeting. He added that for alumni who have already implemented their understanding of GEDSI in their work, the network could serve as a platform for communicating and coordinating their GEDSI initiatives.

“There are alumni who are immersed in one aspect of GEDSI knowledge within their fields, such as human resources, economy, education, or health. Other alumni directly implement (GEDSI principles) in their work in start-ups as human resources development (HRD) staff or in advocating for certain issues,” he said.

Establishing the Forum’s Foundations

At the meeting, 23 participants engaged in brainstorming sessions to gather input and support, define the forum’s vision and mission, short- and long-term goals, and establish its organisational structure.

"The meeting was very productive and held in high spirits,” said Vina. “Alumni showed a strong commitment to GEDSI principles and enthusiasm for collaboration. It successfully created positive momentum and identified clear steps for developing the forum.”

Other issues discussed in the meeting included activities for the forum, and contributions from participants who are implementing and developing GEDSI perspectives in their work, Fajri explained. A follow-up meeting will formalise the details of the form and its plans.

In the short term, Fajri suggested that the GEDSI Alumni Network Forum decides who can join and which issues should be prioritised. Additionally, he said the forum needed to establish its communication channels and define its contribution to support its activities.

In the long term, Fajri envisioned the forum would actively provide recommendations to both the central and regional governments.

“Eventually, the GEDSI Alumni Network Forum will be active in promoting the impacts of implementing GEDSI perspectives on communities in daily life,” he said.

Although the first meeting did not discuss the forum’s activities in detail, Vina said there are several ideas, including a GEDSI knowledge exchange, a mentoring program, seminars and conferences.

Implementing GEDSI Principles Beyond Programs

Disability inclusion consultant Cucu Saidah, one of the participants, welcomed the forum as an initiative to raise awareness that GEDSI should not be limited to programs or responsibilities assigned to other parties.

She noted that a broader understanding of GEDSI principles remains limited, even among alumni engaged in development work.

“GEDSI principles are about values and philosophy in our daily lives, not only about the representation of women or certain groups,” said Cucu, who graduated with a Masters of Public Administration and Policy from Flinders University through an Australia Awards Scholarship.

“It’s about how we understand our roles based on our identity and acknowledge the diversity in our environment. Therefore, we can consider what we can do together.”

For example, the broader implementation of GEDSI principles in the issue of accessibility for people with disability should also cover how to protect women and children with disability from sexual harassment or provide facilities for elderly people with disability, Cucu said.

“I hope the forum can be a voice to more parties about accessibility for people with disability,” said Cucu.

Cucu suggested that, as an initial step, the forum should prioritise strengthening alumni’s capacity to align their understandings of GEDSI principles.

Fajri echoed Cucu’s optimism about the forum, noting that it would foster individuals who championed GEDSI principles in their respective fields.

“With enthusiasm and a spirit of collaboration, I am committed to actively taking part to ensure the forum’s success,” he said. “The potential contribution of the GEDSI Alumni Network Forum is significant; therefore, it requires thoughtful planning and support from alumni who are already champions in their fields.”