“Women’s empowerment is not about giving power, but rather giving access to knowledge, skills and other development resources. Apart from that, women have the right to receive support to grow and develop as individuals who are able to face the challenges of the times,” said the Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection, I Gusti Ayu Bintang Darmawati at the 2023 Indonesia Women Leaders Forum (IWLF) at the Assembly Hall Menara Mandiri, Jakarta. (30/11).
IWLF 2023 entitled “EmpoweringHER: Smart, Confident & Resilient Women Leaders” was attended by more than 200 women leaders from across sectors and organizations. The event, which was organized by Universitas Indonesia (UI) through the Daya Makara business unit and the UI Leadership Development Center (UI LDC), presented inspiring female figures from various fields, such as government, BUMN, corporations, companies, entrepreneurs and researchers.
If we refer to data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), the proportion of women in Indonesia occupying managerial positions will reach 32.26% in 2022. This percentage shows an increase from the proportion in 2015 which only reached 22.32%. This significant increase shows the potential to develop women’s leadership in Indonesia.
According to I Gusti Ayu Bintang, in accordance with the 1945 Constitution, which was also included in regulations, guarantees of protection and equality have been mandated for all Indonesian residents. She added that women constitute half of Indonesia’s population, thus improving the quality and equality of women will determine Indonesia’s progress and prosperity in the future.
Director of Management and Development of Business Units (DPPU) UI, T.M. Zakir Machmad, Ph.D, said that this forum was held as a forum for discussion and exchange of ideas with stakeholders in understanding the role of women’s leadership in Indonesia. “UI is proud of the progress in leadership development in Indonesia, especially women’s leadership. To answer the challenges and opportunities in the field of sustainable development, women’s leadership must play a role not only as objects of progress, but also as subjects in development,” said Zakir.
The public discussion at IWLF 2023 invited several speakers, including Special Staff to the Minister of Finance of the Republic of Indonesia, Masyita Crystalin; Chair of HIPMI Womenpreneur, Melissa Hamid; Prudential President Director, Michelina Triwardhany; Director of Human Resources PT Pupuk Indonesia, Tina Kemala Intan; and medical doctor, dr. Lula Kamal. The five speakers discussed various challenges in developing women’s leadership in Indonesia.
According to Masyita, women in Indonesia are still in the minority to become leaders in companies. For this reason, they must have skills in communication, networking, building teamwork, handling office politics, and resolving conflicts. Women leaders must also have high self-confidence that focuses on their strengths and abilities in building relationships with a wide network; and have new innovations through collaboration and self-development.
Current developments in thought patterns, science and technology mean that women have the capacity to develop themselves and can fight for equal rights for their people. However, the challenges faced by women are increasingly complex. According to Michelina, work-life balance and gender bias are still obstacles for women in achieving leadership positions.
“The work-life balance challenge in question is being able to be an organized and disciplined woman in setting boundaries, finding priorities, delegating and being pragmatic, using technology wisely, and looking after and taking care of herself. Meanwhile, gender bias includes personal bias, limiting beliefs, cultural bias, unconscious bias, and gender traits,” said Michelina.
As a leader, women must be strong. Strong women are equal to men. There needs to be greater effort for women to become leaders, namely efforts to understand risks, always learn from mistakes, and be brave in taking action. “A confident woman must be smart in covering up her shortcomings. Turn these shortcomings into your own characteristics. Then, change your thoughts and behavior, and don’t hesitate to admit that women also want to be in high positions,” said dr. Lula Kamal.
