Empowering Women Through Education: GEDSI Alumni Network Launches Inaugural Meeting

On 21 November, Australia Awards in Indonesia hosted the Inaugural Meeting of the GEDSI Alumni Network in Jakarta, centred on the theme "Bridging the Gap: Strengthening Access to Education for Women from Disadvantaged Backgrounds." This impactful event began with a warm welcome from DFAT representatives and partners from the Government of Indonesia partners, who sharedinsights during the keynote presentation and special address.

Australia Awards alumna Ms Woro Srihastuti Sulistyaningrum, Deputy for the Improvement of Children, Women and Youth from the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture, delivered a keynote speech titled "Understanding Women from Disadvantaged Backgrounds: Defining the Challenges and Implications". Meanwhile, Australia Awards alumnus Prof Muhammad Adlin Sila, an expert staff member for the Minister of Education, shared his presentation on "Girl's Power: The State of Female School Participation and Performance in Indonesia."

Coinciding with the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign by KOMNAS Perempuan, the meeting featured a talk with our alumna Prof Alimatul Qibtiyah, KOMNAS Perempuan Commissioner, as a discussant. The talk show was further enriched by inspiring panellists, including Fitria Villa Sahara from Yayasan PEKKA, Anggiasari Puji Aryatie, Disability Advocate and GEDSI Specialist at Arup, and Mardiyah Chamim, Senior Journalist and Indigenous People Activist.

A total of 70 in-person and online participants gathered to explore the challenges faced by women from Indigenous communities, women as head of household, and women with disabilities in accessing education. This event highlighted the critical importance of community support and the ongoing efforts to close the education gap for women from disadvantaged backgrounds in Indonesia.

As the GEDSI Alumni Network continues to grow, we remain committed to empowering individuals and communities through education and fostering positive change for women across the nation.