Jakarta, November 26, 2024 – The discussion titled “Women Leaders Driving ESG: Empowering Women in Corporate Leadership” served as the closing event of the 15th Kompas100 CEO Forum at The Langham, Jakarta. This platform brought together women leaders to share their experiences and visions in advancing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles across various sectors.
Among the speakers, Geraldine Oetama, Partner at Skystar Capital, joined a distinguished panel featuring Arifah Choiri Fauzi, Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA); Rini Handayani, Acting Deputy for Gender Equality at KemenPPA; Katri Krisnati, VP of Corporate Communication at PT Freeport Indonesia; and Chairani Rachmatullah, President Director of PT PLN Engineering.
Gender Equality: Government Vision and Multisector Challenges
In her opening remarks, Minister PPPA, Arifah Choiri Fauzi emphasized the importance of cross-sector collaboration to accelerate gender equality. “Women must be involved in decision-making—from policy planning, budget allocation, to implementation. Access to senior leadership positions is essential for driving meaningful change,” she stated. She also highlighted priority programs such as expanding the SAPA Center 129 and developing gender-responsive villages.
From an industrial perspective, Katri Krisnati shared her efforts to advance women in the male-dominated mining sector. By implementing remote underground mining operations, PT Freeport Indonesia has created greater opportunities for women to contribute. “Equality can only be achieved through equal training opportunities and strong community support,” she explained.
Similarly, Chairani Rachmatullah underscored the importance of cultural transformation through gender mainstreaming initiatives and female talent development programs at PLN Engineering. “Every role must be accessible to all genders without discrimination,” she affirmed.
Skystar Capital’s Commitment to Inclusion in Startups
Representing the venture capital sector, Geraldine Oetama highlighted Skystar Capital’s commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within the startup ecosystem. “Fifty percent of our team comprises women, and we ensure that inclusivity is embedded across all aspects, from investments to startup development,” Geraldine explained.
Skystar Capital empowers women through initiatives such as collaborations with Girls in Tech and Innovate Her. “We believe women bring unique perspectives and innovative solutions to address market challenges. Programs like coding bootcamps equip women with the skills needed to make significant contributions in the tech sector,” she added.
For example, BASE, a cosmetics startup led by Yaumi Fauziah Sugiharta and Ratih Permata Sari, offers vegan, personalized skincare products leveraging data insights. Their products not only address underserved market needs but also demonstrate how women can lead innovation in the beauty industry. BASE has also adopted inclusive workplace policies, such as six-month maternity leave, fostering a culture that accelerates innovation aligned with consumer needs.
In the fintech sector, JULO exemplifies how inclusivity drives impact. With a commitment to diversity and cultural intelligence, JULO has reduced employee turnover to 13% and fostered high team loyalty. Policies such as unbiased recruitment and inclusive workplace facilities reflect the company’s dedication to building a supportive and productive work environment.
Building an Inclusive Future
The discussion underscored that inclusivity is not just about gender representation but a foundational principle for driving sustainable innovation. “We aim to create an ecosystem that is adaptive and resilient, where women have equal opportunities to lead and innovate,” Geraldine emphasized.
The cross-sector commitments showcased by these women leaders serve as an inspiration to continue driving progress. With strong collaboration, empowering women not only achieves gender equality but also contributes to economic growth and broader social impact.
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