UNDIP, Semarang (6/5) – As part of its commitment to strengthening gender equality in higher education, Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP), through the Center for Consultation Services, Disability Support, Student Discipline Enforcement, and Ethics (LKDPDEM), organized a seminar entitled “Equal Voices: Strengthening Students’ Role in Gender Equality in Education.” The event was held on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Prof. Darmanto Jatman Auditorium, Faculty of Psychology, UNDIP Tembalang Campus.
The seminar featured three speakers who are actively advocating for gender equality: Dr. Laila Kholid Alfirdaus, S.IP., M.P.P. (Head of the Doctoral Program in Social Sciences), Andrea Neysa Ardelia (a student in the Faculty of Psychology), and Felicia Hestiawan (a student in the Faculty of Engineering).
In her opening remarks, Annastasia Ediati, S.Psi., M.Sc., Ph.D., Psychologist, Head of LKDPDEM UNDIP, emphasized that gender equality is not solely about advocating for women but about ensuring equal treatment, rights, and opportunities for all individuals. “When we talk about gender equality, it does not always mean discussing women’s equality alone. It also includes men. At the Faculty of Psychology, for instance, women are the majority, but men also deserve equal access to education,” she explained.
She further highlighted that gender equality is reflected in providing equal opportunities for everyone to contribute.
“At this seminar, not all speakers are lecturers. Students also have the right to be speakers. That is gender equality,” she added.
The first session was delivered by Dr. Laila Kholid Alfirdaus, S.IP., M.P.P., who stressed the importance of promoting gender equality within higher education institutions and described universities as laboratories of life. “It is crucial to discuss and advocate for gender equality on campus because universities are laboratories of life, where complex social issues are experienced and studied,” she stated.
She also highlighted the prevalence of discrimination, sexual harassment, and other forms of inequality within academic environments, which can make campuses unsafe spaces. She encouraged students to take a more active role in advocating for gender equality to ensure campuses become safe and inclusive for everyone.
“There are still many cases of harassment and discrimination on campuses, whether committed by lecturers or students, making universities unsafe spaces. As students, we must speak up for gender equality so that campuses become safe and comfortable environments for all,” Dr. Laila emphasized.
The second session was presented by Andrea Neysa Ardelia, who discussed the psychological impact of gender discrimination on victims and the importance of providing appropriate support. “The effects of discrimination can leave lifelong scars on victims. As students, we need to be present for those who experience gender discrimination by listening to and supporting them through their experiences,” Andrea explained.
The final session was delivered by Felicia Hestiawan, who addressed gender equality challenges in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), particularly for women.
She noted that women in STEM continue to face significant obstacles and emphasized the need for courage, supportive environments, and more equitable systems to enable everyone to thrive and contribute meaningfully. “As a woman and an engineering student, I have experienced significant challenges. Therefore, courage, supportive surroundings, and a more equitable system are essential,” Felicia stated. (Public Communication/UNDIP/AKS & As3)