Through the Australia Awards Indonesia program, remarkable alumni like Monita exemplify the strides Indonesian women are making in defying gender bias in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Monita Wambrauw, currently a lecturer at the Department of Urban Planning, Universitas Cendrawasih in Jayapura, Papua, is a shining example of overcoming outdated perceptions about women working in STEM.
What are the opportunities like for women in STEM in Indonesia and how is the Australia Awards program helping advance them?
These efforts are crucial for gender equality in Indonesia, especially in the STEM fields. Despite the global prevalence of gender inequality in STEM, Indonesia faces unique challenges. As of 2018, women constituted only 12% of STEM graduates. With the nation’s ambitious Industri 4.0 initiative and rapid advancements in fields like artificial intelligence, there is a growing concern that women, who lack relevant skills, risk being marginalised.
Historically, while many Papuan women found careers in healthcare and aviation, STEM fields like civil engineering and urban planning had minimal female representation. This trend is changing, in part due to programs like the Australia Awards. In the mid-2000s, female students in these fields were a rarity, but they now represent 30% of Monita’s students. The Australia Awards have opened doors for young Indonesian women, providing them with choices beyond traditional roles and enabling them to pursue STEM education and careers.
Development scholarships such as the Australia Awards in Indonesia are very important. Recipients come back with a higher degree and the capacity to contribute to their institution, their hometown and the extended region.
Monita Wambrauw, Australia Awards Program Alumni
What role does gender bias play in STEM and how can we address it?
The role of initiatives like the Australia Awards in challenging gender bias in STEM cannot be overstated. Managed by Tetra Tech on behalf of the Australian Government, these programs offer Indonesian women the chance to break stereotypes and engage in fields historically dominated by men. Tetra Tech plays a pivotal role in managing the Australia Awards scholarships program in Indonesia, fostering an environment where women can pursue their STEM ambitions without limitations.