As a leading institution for education and social transformation in Indonesia, Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES) has consistently pioneered comprehensive efforts to empower women. Rooted in a vision of equal access for all, UNNES has institutionalized a range of programs, policies, and funding mechanisms to ensure that women are not only welcomed but also supported to excel throughout their academic journey.
UNNES demonstrates firm commitment to advancing gender equality through systematic rules, dedicated programs, and educational support systems. This framework aligns with Indonesia’s national vision for education and SDG 5 for gender equality. UNNES strongly commits to ensure that women are treated not just as participants, but as central actors in their own academic and professional development.
The university’s administration regularly evaluates and strengthens its approach, creating spaces for women to lead, connect, and thrive within campus life. These efforts reflect UNNES’s belief that women are invaluable assets to the academic community and contributors to a more equitable society.
Targeted Scholarships for Female Students
UNNES actively provides scholarships that cater to various needs—including some designed explicitly to support women. For instance:
- Thiess Women & Diversity Undergraduate Scholarship
This scholarship, opened in 2024, specifically targets female students in their sixth semester. It aims to foster diversity in higher education and create stronger representation of women in sectors where they remain underrepresented. - UNNES General Scholarships
While open to all, these competitive scholarships help ensure that capable young women from various backgrounds can access higher education and pursue their talents without financial obstacles.
Focused Mentoring and Training
Beyond financial support, UNNES organizes a variety of mentoring and training sessions dedicated to women’s empowerment:
- Mentoring programs
Female students are connected with experienced mentors—including faculty, alumni, and external professionals—who guide them through academic challenges, leadership opportunities, and career planning. This targeted support system helps build confidence, foster networks, and address unique barriers women may face in higher education environments. - Workshops and Seminars
Through its collaboration with faculty organizations and women’s organizations on campus, UNNES regularly delivers seminars on gender equality, leadership, and professional skills. Recent events, such as mental health seminars conducted by the Dharma Wanita Persatuan (DWP) UNNES, are designed to address both the psychological well-being and career advancement of women students. - Community Engagement Initiatives
Women at UNNES are encouraged to participate in outreach programs, student government, and research initiatives that involve advocacy and service for gender-sensitive causes.
UNNES still has many empowerment initiatives to offer:
- Capacity-building seminars on gender issues.
- Leadership workshops for aspiring female leaders.
- Peer mentoring and alumni guidance programs.
- Partnerships with industry for internships and professional exposure.
- Other Notable Support Mechanisms
UNNES’s proactive stance extends beyond scholarships and training. The institution displays its commitment through:
- Inclusive Campus Policies: The university cultivates an inclusive environment through anti-discrimination policies, strict measures on harassment, and gender-sensitive facilities.
- Support Networks: Women’s forums, alumni associations, and partnerships with NGOs enhance access to external resources and professional growth.
- Research Grants and Projects: Female students and researchers are prioritized in research funding calls to foster their involvement in scientific and innovation-oriented activities.
