UNDIP, Semarang (April 27) – As part of its efforts to build an academic culture that upholds the values of equality, justice, and protection for all campus members, Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP) remains firmly committed to preventing and addressing gender-based violence. Coinciding with Kartini Day, UNDIP, through its Directorate of Student Affairs and Alumni, along with the Technical Implementation Unit for Counseling Services, Disability Services, Student Discipline, and Ethics Enforcement (UPT LKDPDEM), held a socialization event titled “Girls’ Power: Stop Violence with Mothers” on Friday, April 25, 2025, at the Prof. Sudarto Auditorium, UNDIP Tembalang Campus, Semarang.
The event was attended by hundreds of female students and stakeholders concerned with women’s protection issues. UNDIP’s Vice-Rector of Academic and Student Affairs, Prof. Dr.rer.nat. Heru Susanto, S.T., M.M., M.T., officially opened the event. He emphasized the crucial role of universities in building collective awareness of the prevention of violence against women.
“Women often become victims within their closest environments. Many cases go unreported because victims feel afraid, ashamed, or lack access to support. Through this event, we aim to educate and equip UNDIP’s academic community to have the courage to speak up and act against all forms of violence,” he said.
“In October last year, UNDIP established a Task Force for the Prevention and Handling of Violence, actively receiving complaints, providing assistance, and formulating internal policies to protect campus residents through the PPKPT Task Force and UPT LKDPDEM,” Prof. Heru added.
He stressed the importance of collaboration to minimize and prevent violence on campus, within families, and in communities, thus fostering an inclusive, safe, and violence-free campus culture.
The event was moderated by Sekar Paramitha, M.Psi., Psychologist and Counselor at UPT LKDPDEM, and featured three inspiring speakers from the fields of academia, psychology, and social advocacy.
Opening the first session, Dr. A.A.S. Manik Mahachandra, S.T., M.Sc., Chairperson of UNDIP’s Task Force for the Prevention and Handling of Violence in Higher Education (PPKPT), presented on “How to Make Use of Our Super Power.”
He outlined the various forms of violence women still experience—including physical, psychological, sexual violence, bullying, and discrimination, which are often unrecognized as violations. “According to the 2016 National Women’s Life Experience Survey (Survei Pengalaman Hidup Perempuan Nasional / SPHPN) and the latest reports from national media (Metro TV coverage, April 21, 2025), violence against women remains a serious issue in Indonesia, including within universities,” he explained.
Dr. Manik encouraged UNDIP’s female students to recognize their strengths, not only by behaving well (Just Behave) but also by being aware of and caring for others (Aware & Care for Others) and by actively reporting and preventing any form of violence.
Meanwhile, Dr. Novi Qonitatin, S.Psi., M.A., delivering a session titled “A Mother’s Message to Gen Z Women,” highlighted the importance of strengthening young women’s awareness and resilience—especially those from Gen Z—against violence and harassment. “Gen Z must uphold the dignity bestowed upon them as human beings created in the best form by God. Violence must be stopped, and women’s strength must continue to be empowered. It is crucial to focus on the right to feel safe and respected, to have the courage to speak up, to respect one’s emotions and mental health, and to remain vigilant about unhealthy relationships,” she emphasized.
Further, Arida Nuralita, S.Psi., M.A., Psychologist, and Coordinator of the Family Learning Center (PUSPAGA) of Jawa Tengah’s Office for Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection, presented on “Women as Pillars of Healthy and Happy Families.” She explained the critical role of women in maintaining emotional balance, healthy communication, and family resilience while also being at the forefront of preventing family-based violence.
The discussion session powerfully raised awareness about the importance of education, mental health, and balancing the multiple roles women often carry.
“Family-centered approaches are key to building effective protection systems. Emotional support from close family members and access to psychological services are vital in helping survivors recover,” said Arida. She concluded by introducing public services available, including free psychological counseling under the auspices of the Women’s and Children’s Agency.
With high participant enthusiasm, this event reinforced UPT LKDPDEM UNDIP’s commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and violence-free campus environment, especially concerning violence against women. The socialization is expected to foster courage to speak out and strengthen the synergy of violence prevention efforts through education, advocacy, and integrated psychosocial services. (DHW)
