A Personal Review: Shaping The Future of Women In STEM in Indonesia

People often say that asking questions is the first way to begin change. In my case, it’s a simple question of “what do you want to be when you grow up” that would turn out to be one of my greatest personal mind-shifts.

It was back in 2016 when I first asked that question to the children in the rural areas of Southwest Sumba. During the infrastructure project launch for one of the villages, I was met with almost similar answers ranging from a nurse, a priest or a regent. Nothing wrong with that of course, but when asked why a regent and not a president, they’d replied with a firm head shake and a quick no. The reason? They’re not Javanese.

The same question would soon be my staple opening line whenever I was given a chance to meet groups of children. When asked to a group of Primary/Secondary students in the slum area of Cilincing, the answers again struck a similar chord. They’d envision adult life as domestic workers or kiosks owners, the types of professions they’re familiar with growing up. Mind you, Cilincing is a mere hour drive from Jakarta.

While all professions are noble in their own ways, I cannot help but feel disturbed with the expectations these kids set for themselves. Surely, children must aim higher for their future, shouldn’t they?

I remember thinking about becoming an astronaut going on major outer space expeditions, before finding my passion as a tech entrepreneur later on. Having an Environmental Scientist as a mother, my exposure to the world of STEM began not only early but was a natural part of my upbringing. It’s this kind of childhood experience that I trust helped me forge my path in computer science and tech.

By linking my own experience, I begin to understand the power of labels, stigma, and representation that could either limit a child from its biggest dream and truest potential or break them free once and for all.

The Issues Behind The Lagging Growth of Women In STEM

From my perspective, there are 2 main contributors to the low women's participation in STEM:

• External factor

First, it’s the stigma in our society that still puts girls as the weaker gender. Even in big cities, they’re raised to be homemakers whose main purposes revolve around fulfilling motherly and wifely duties. Meanwhile, digital or tech advancement is viewed as a male-centric career. Even educators or teachers would consider anything related to coding or innovation too complex for female students ( as proven in Teacher & Female Student events where we hosted free coding lessons).

Secondly, it’s a matter of representation. In most media and online content, a male figure takes the face of digital products ( think computers, games, digital tools, etc), as compared to women who promote household appliances. In most of the big tech conferences I’ve attended in Jakarta, I noticed the rarity of women speakers or attendees.

• Internal factor

Lastly, it’s about confidence. The insecure mindset that’s so internalized within our female youth only furthers the idea that there’s no place for women in STEM. Back in 2018, a coding training hosted by Markoding showed that female Senior students scored a lower level of confidence despite their significantly higher program results than their male counterparts.

The Importance of Women Participation in STEM

Many studies have shown the same sentiment when it comes to Indonesian women participation in STEM. In 2017, a research by Boston Consulting Group stated that only 22% of Indonesian women are working in the tech industry - the lowest compared to other SEA countries.

This is a critical fact since women in STEM could be the key to bridging the shortage of 9 million skilled & semi-skilled ICT workers by 2030. Experts have also cited that Indonesia may have the potential to generate an additional $62 billion in economic activity and boost GDP by 2.9% in 2025 if female participation is increased by 25%. One of the solutions mentioned is encouraging womenpreneurs to tap into the power of digital financial tools.

By learning and pursuing careers in STEM, girls will have more access to better job opportunities, higher income, and more chances to improve their livelihood, including those who are currently living in impoverished areas. The rise of females in tech will break barriers, empower communities, and ultimately ignite the national potential as a whole.

Empowering Women in STEM with Markoding

To begin encouraging more women in STEM, it’s important to tackle the issues at root with the following actions.

1. Mindset Change

STEM training must begin with mindset change as the initial approach, instead of direct technical lessons. We learned that FREE lessons are not enough to entice enrollments or boost commitment. Early phases of our training typically involve sharing and motivational sessions to break the old stigma and encourage girls to envision themselves in STEM. They must first believe that they belong in the tech industry, to hear first hand the opportunities waiting for them, and to dare themselves to achieve them.

2. Equal Representation

At Markoding, we’re a female first community. We prioritize female mentors as role models, female program participants ( min 50%), female speakers ( min 50%), and gender-neutral marketing campaigns ( illustrations, designs, models etc).

3. Support System

In each Markoding training, we assign participants in teamwork where they can collaborate and support each other. Through peer settings, they are much more motivated and confident, resulting in higher program completion rate.

Going Beyond With Markoding

In 2020, Markoding has recorded an increased participation rate of female students to over 57%. That is 2.750 girls out of 5.400 participants who now have a taste at 21 st century digital & entrepreneurial skills. We’re also happy to report that 56% of the industry mentors we featured in our programs are female.

With more trailblazing acts from the governments, private sectors and educational institutions that champion Women in STEM, our hope is that the entire movement goes beyond just jargon or seasonal campaigns. Consistent policies, business practices and more concrete initiatives should be implemented to open the pathways for our young minds of tomorrow.

As for my personal aspiration, I could only dream that “Women in STEM” is no longer a thing in the near future. Instead, it’s a simple and nothing-out-of-ordinary idea, but still an awesome one nonetheless.

About The Writer

Amanda Simandjuntak is the recipient of the Power of Radiance 2022 Award from Clé de Peau Beauté , which honors inspiring women who have dedicated themselves to bettering the lives of girls & women through education.

Amanda has more than 10 years of experience in the digital industry, entrepreneurship, and social development. She started her career as a programmer for a number of IT companies, then she co-founded Kolibri Commerce, a leading e-commerce consultancy firm. Seeing the skills gap in Indonesia's tech industry, she saw an opportunity to empower underprivileged youth with 21st-century skills and digital skills by building Markoding (Yayasan Daya Kreasi Anak Bangsa) and Skilvul . She graduated from Curtin University of Technology in Western Australia with a Computer Science degree.

Credit: https://www.cledepeau-beaute.com/int/powerofradiance-2022.html