Universitas Katolik Widya Mandala Surabaya (UKWMS) has the opportunity to perform a close collaboration with Edinburgh Napier University (ENU). With the support from British Council and Equate Scotland, the two institutions received funding from the Gender Equality Partnership from the British Council of the UK and Kedaireka Matching Fund from the Indonesian Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology to organize a project of Empowering Indonesian Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). 

Led by Prof. Anita Lie, a professor from the Faculty of Teacher Education at UKWMS and Prof. Nathalia Tjandra, Ph.D. from ENU, this collaboration resulted in a workshop on Empowering Women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) that took place on September 10-11, 2024, at the auditorium of UKWMS-Kalijudan Campus. 

On the first day, the workshop was attended by many guidance and counseling teachers, academic advisors, and career assistance teachers from several high schools and universities across Indonesia. The topic was “The Role of Mathematics and Natural Sciences Teachers, Academic Advisors, and Study Counselors in a Student’s Success”. Several strong female role models presented as speakers, including Prof. Anita Lie, Prof. Felycia Edy, a professor of the Faculty of Engineering at UKWMS, Prof. Nathalia Tjandra from ENU, Yuyun Ismawati, M.Sc., the founder of Nexus3Foundation, an NGO located in Bali that focuses on the impact of environmental development on public health and the society, and Prof. Dr. Carina Joe, a team member of the Astra Zeneca Covid-19 vaccine developers.

“This activity is a form of support to encourage women’s role in national development, especially in the STEM field. There are many different possible dynamics when it comes to facing the challenge in the STEM field, and we can support teachers in developing students’ potential to enter the STEM field,” explained Dr. Lanny Hartanti, S.Si., M.Si., Vice-rector in charge of International Collaboration and a scientist and lecturer in the Faculty of Pharmacy at UKWMS, in her opening remarks.

In response to these concerns, a project called Widya Indonesia was developed as a result of this project. Widya Indonesia is a network formed to provide support, guidance, and empowerment for Indonesian women pursuing careers in the STEM field. “Widya comes from Sanskrit, which means woman, but it also means education. The goal, together with us, is for students to continue to pursue this field. Whatever field of science we place ourselves in, pursue it well for a better world,” said Prof. Anita. The project is hoped to become a networking forum for young women in Indonesia who want to pursue careers in STEM. 

Resilience and Strategies for Overcoming Barriers in STEM Studies and Careers

On the second day of the workshop, the theme was Resilience and Strategies to Overcome Barriers in STEM Studies and Careers. On this occasion, high school and university students attended the seminar to listen to experiences and reflections from women who have ventured into STEM fields. The first speaker was Prof. Felycia, who told the story of how she got started in the STEM field. “Don’t be afraid to pursue an education as high as possible or work your hardest to fulfill your dreams. The simplest things, such as my love of analyzing and feeling uneasy when I saw the (bad) condition of the river near my house as a child, led me to pursue the STEM field,” said Prof. Felycia.

In addition, Prof. Nathalia delivered a presentation on Imposter Syndrome, which causes a person to experience self-doubt about their intelligence, skills, or achievements when comparing herself or himself to other individuals. Prof. Nathalia emphasized that self-confidence is needed for someone who wants to successfully pursue a professional career in any field. 

After being provided with materials, the teachers, as facilitators, and high school and university students were then divided into several groups to carry out focus group discussions using the “Inspiring Role Models” module design to discuss role models in the STEM field. After attending the two-day workshop, the hope is that the material presented and the group activities will encourage and empower young women to venture into the STEM field.

The original article has been edited for the ASEACCU newsletter. 

Source: UKWMS