Jakarta. Gender inequality in accessing education remains evident in Indonesia, particularly in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), only 35 percent of STEM graduates and a mere 8 percent of STEM professionals in Indonesia are women.

Men dominate higher-skilled, better-paid positions in STEM, while women are concentrated in lower-paid, less-skilled jobs. This gap persists despite a 2018 World Bank study stating that educating women is crucial to reducing poverty.

Inge Kusuma, Country Head of Tanoto Foundation Indonesia, addressed this issue during the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Festival at Trisno Soemardjo Hall, Taman Ismail Marzuki, Jakarta, on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024. Her speech centered on the theme "Education for Women as a Foundation for Sustainable Development."

The SDGs Festival is part of the SDGs Annual Conference 2024, which aims to gather stakeholders involved in Indonesia’s SDGs efforts and disseminate achievements to ensure inclusive and accountable development.

"Women in Indonesia’s STEM sector earn 28 percent less than men. In comparison, neighboring countries like Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand have higher female representation in STEM, thanks to better education systems, gender policies, and stronger economies," said Inge.

One of the SDGs set by the United Nations and targeted by the Indonesian government for 2030 is achieving gender equality and empowering women. Inge explained that women, particularly girls, remain one of the most vulnerable groups, especially during crises like natural disasters, economic recessions, pandemics, or wars.

"Girls face various forms of discrimination and violence. According to Plan International's Girls in Crisis report from 2018-2020, they are often separated from their families, making them more vulnerable to violence and exploitation," Inge added.

Many girls are forced into early marriage or transactional relationships to survive or support their families, increasing the risk of unwanted pregnancies and gender-based violence. The gap in education and healthcare access for girls, particularly in crisis areas, is also stark. The 2020 UN Women report, Orange the World, highlighted how these inequalities impact the physical and mental well-being of girls.

"These realities show that women still face limited opportunities and are often excluded from decision-making processes that directly affect their future prospects," she said.

In Indonesia, the SDGs also support the vision of creating the Golden Generation by 2045. Inge stressed that educated women with job opportunities improve family health, reduce hunger, and contribute to broader national prosperity.

"We must work together to ensure that all children, regardless of gender, have the chance to fully develop their potential to achieve the 2030 SDGs and the vision for a Golden Indonesia in 2045," she added.

Inge called for collaboration to eliminate gender stereotypes that restrict girls’ access to quality education. "As we approach 2030 and work toward gender equality and the longer-term goal of a Golden Indonesia in 2045, we need to advocate for more gender-sensitive approaches and drive sustainable change. Educated women can actively participate in the workforce, become innovators, leaders, and contributors to more inclusive economic growth," Inge concluded.

The Tanoto Foundation, an independent philanthropic organization founded by Sukanto Tanoto and Tinah Bingei Tanoto in 1981, is focused on improving Indonesia’s human resources, particularly through equal access to education, as outlined in the SDGs. The foundation is committed to creating quality, sustainable education for all children in Indonesia and supporting the 2030 SDGs.

“We believe quality education accelerates equal opportunities, and this applies to all genders,” Inge said

Sustainable development has been a key focus of the Tanoto Foundation in Indonesia, notably through initiatives like the SDG Academy Indonesia (SDG AI), the first comprehensive SDG capacity-building program in the country. SDG AI, a collaboration between National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas), UNDP, and Tanoto Foundation, engages all SDG stakeholders, including the government, academia, the private sector, philanthropy, civil society, and the media.

“We focus on governance, policy solutions, and monitoring and reporting. We also work with both the government and private sectors in implementing our programs,” said Inge.

Also present at the SDGs Festival 2024 were Bappenas Deputy for Maritime Affairs and Natural Resources Vivi Yulaswati, Bappenas Secretary Teni Widuriyanti, and Bappenas Director for Family, Women, Children, Youth, and Sports Raden Rara Rita Erawati.