The Perempuan Inovasi 2024 initiative, launched in collaboration with Indonesia's Directorate General of Vocational Education, is empowering women in the digital and artificial intelligence (AI) sectors by offering skill-building opportunities. The event, held on November 26, 2024, featured free and subsidized training in key digital fields such as coding, data analysis, and project management, specifically aimed at women with vocational education backgrounds.

The highlight of the program was the Demo Day, which showcased the participants' innovative solutions and featured a crucial discussion titled "The Role of Women in the Digitalization and AI Era." This panel underscored the significance of ensuring AI is developed and used in ways that foster equality and justice. Prof. Stella Christie, Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, emphasized the importance of increasing female representation in technology, particularly in AI, to prevent reinforcing existing social inequalities.

The Demo Day featured innovation projects in two categories: Web Development (WebDev) and UI/UX Design. Among the WebDev projects, WomenRise3T by the Rangkayo Rasuna Said team introduced a scholarship mentorship platform aimed at empowering women in Indonesia's remote, underdeveloped regions. The SheSafe app by Tengku Agung Syarifah Latifah's team was designed to help women report and receive support in cases of domestic violence. Meanwhile, Beauty Preneur by the Cut Nyak Dien team offers beauty training programs and product recommendations tailored to budget constraints.

In the UI/UX Design category, the Maria Walanda Maramis team presented Breastie, an app to raise awareness about breast cancer risks. The Asih platform, created by the Laksamana Malahayati team, focuses on supporting mothers in preventing stunting through nutritional monitoring of their children. The SORA platform, introduced by the R.A. Kartini team, offers inclusive, non-formal learning opportunities for women.

In a competitive finish, WomenRise3T and Asih emerged as the winners in their respective categories. Amanda Simandjuntak, Co-founder and CEO of Markoding, noted that the program not only focuses on technical skills like coding and data analysis but also fosters critical soft skills such as creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving. The goal is to prepare women not just to excel in digital fields but also to become leaders in their communities.

Dian Sastrowardoyo, founder of the Dian Sastrowardoyo Foundation, emphasized that the use of technology, including AI, must be guided by strong ethical principles and regulations. She stressed the importance of improving digital literacy among women so they can use technology responsibly and ethically, maximizing its benefits for society.

Ultimately, Perempuan Inovasi 2024 aims to nurture a generation of women who are not only skilled and competitive but are also equipped to make meaningful contributions to Indonesia’s development in the digital age. This initiative is a critical step towards closing the gender gap in technology and ensuring that women are at the forefront of shaping the future.

HIGHEND MAGAZINE