In an Efforts to Encourage Equality in Higher Education, LKST IPB University Holds Workshop and FGD on Gender Mainstreaming Study
Institute of Science and Technology Area (LKST) IPB University held a Workshop and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) entitled “Gender Mainstreaming Study” which took place at Swiss-Belcourt Meeting Room, Bogor.
Attended by 58 participants consisting of representatives of units and departments at IPB University, this workshop aims to explore strategies for implementing gender equality principles in the university environment, especially at IPB University.
The workshop was opened by the Vice Chief of LKST for Business Incubation and Industrial Partnership, Prof Rokhani Hasbullah. In his speech, he emphasized the role of IPB University in supporting gender mainstreaming through various initiatives, especially through LKST.
“IPB University has given special attention to gender issues in the programs it runs. Through our program, about 30 percent of the innovators and startup teams involved are women. This shows IPB University’s real steps in creating inclusive opportunities to support women in innovation and business,” said Prof Rokhani.
In addition, he also underlined LKST’s efforts in providing gender-responsive facilities, such as the provision of lactation rooms, adequate number of restrooms, and work programs that pay attention to the needs of both men and women.
“We hope that through this study, LKST can contribute not only in the fields of research, technology, and economics, but also in promoting gender equality within IPB University,” he added.
Meanwhile, Prof Arya Hadi Dharmawan, Chair of the International Research Institute (LRI) for Social, Economic and Regional Development of IPB University highlighted the importance of gender mainstreaming not only from the aspect of facilities, but also in dealing with issues of physical and non-physical violence.
He said, “Gender issues are often not only limited to the provision of equitable facilities, but also to efforts to protect against gender-based violence,” he said.
The activity continued with a material session that discussed various aspects of gender mainstreaming in higher education.
Titled “Gender Integration in Higher Education through Gender Responsive Higher Education”, the first session was delivered by Dra Eko Novi Ariyanti RD, a representative from the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (KPPA).
She explained the importance of gender equality integration and principles in higher education policies and practices. In addition, she also discussed the challenges often faced in the integration of gender-responsive policies in the academic environment.
While the second session delved deeper into how universities can become agents of social transformation in supporting gender inclusion.
Dr Titik Sumarti, a lecturer at the Faculty of Human Ecology (Fema) IPB University as well as a gender expert and consultant highlighted the strategic steps that educational institutions can take to create a more inclusive and equal environment. The material she delivered was titled “Gender Inclusion and Social Transformation of Gender Mainstreaming (PUG) in Institutes or Universities”.
Furthermore, the third session discussed “Infrastructure in Gender Mainstreaming”. In this session, participants were invited to evaluate and provide input related to infrastructure at IPB University that supports gender mainstreaming.
Expert from the Center for Gender and Child Studies (PSGA) of Semarang State Islamic University, Titik Rahmawati, MAg explained that the existence of adequate facilities, such as lactation rooms and study rooms are important elements in creating a gender-friendly work and learning environment.
Then, the fourth session discussed the presentation of gender analysis results and gender mainstreaming guidelines at IPB University. Based on the results of the analysis, IPB University has begun to move towards gender responsive universities, although not all units have implemented it.
It is expected that the values of inclusiveness, equality, and justice can already be applied concretely in every aspect of campus life, including in teaching, research, community service, and institutional management at IPB University.
The workshop and FGD activities received a positive response from the participants. Participants actively discussed and provided constructive input related to existing policies and programs.
Dr Yuni Puji Hastuti, Assistant for Management and Commercialization of Intellectual Property of LKST IPB University closed the series of events. She mentioned the results of strategic recommendations that will be a reference in the development of gender mainstreaming policies at IPB University.
Some of them are increasing training and socialization on gender equality, developing more inclusive infrastructure, and strengthening protection against gender-based violence in the campus environment.
“Through this activity, IPB University shows its commitment in supporting gender equality and responsiveness. This workshop and FGD is not only a forum for discussion, but also the first step to creating a more equitable, inclusive, and responsive university environment to the needs of all parties,” she concluded. (*/Nr) (IAAS/Hap)
