Session 1 - "Creating an inclusive environment in Higher Education"

Wuri Handayani's project at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) focuses on establishing a peer support "buddy system," where able-bodied students assist their disabled peers in navigating campus life. This initiative is crucial as UGM currently lacks a dedicated support unit for disabled students. To tailor the approach, Wuri’s team plans to distribute at least 300 questionnaires to identify specific needs and challenges faced by students with disabilities. Based on this research, they will design a visual campaign using videos and posters to raise awareness and foster inclusivity. The project also aims to recruit and train at least 10 disabled students and 50 able-bodied students, equipping them with the confidence to advocate for their rights and future aspirations.

The project draws on expertise from the University of Leeds’ Disability Services, with plans for collaborative Zoom sessions to share best practices on managing support volunteers. By integrating these insights, Wuri hopes to create a comprehensive support structure at UGM that not only provides practical assistance but also cultivates empathy and understanding among students. The ultimate goal is to empower students with disabilities to confidently pursue their academic and professional dreams within a more inclusive university environment.

This project is part of the British Council Alumni UK Social Action Grants 2024. Find more information here. 

As data science continues to grow in demand, the ability to derive actionable insights from vast data sets has become an invaluable skill across industries. This trend extends to scientific and engineering research, driven by the power of Deep Learning and Machine Learning frameworks. By equipping women with advanced AI and data science skills, this initiative aims to not only boost their employability but also empower their capabilities in research, enabling them to contribute effectively to data-driven projects. The programme addresses crucial gaps, such as enhancing women’s representation in leadership roles within higher education and research institutions by equipping them to lead or manage research groups. Furthermore, it aims to increase the competitiveness of women graduates in STEM fields, specifically in AI and data science.

Key deliverables include improving the research skills of young women academics, increasing women’s enrolment in STEM courses, and enhancing data science expertise among participants. This initiative also fosters knowledge exchange between UK and Indonesian stakeholders, promoting gender equality in STEM research. The programme comprises a series of hands-on workshops and webinars: one focused on AI Data Science for young women researchers, enhancing their data-driven research modelling skills; another for female graduates, aligning their expertise with industry needs to improve employability. Additionally, the webinars will spotlight women in STEM, inspiring participants to pursue these fields confidently. Through these targeted efforts, we aim to build pathways for women to excel in academia, leadership, and the job market.

This project is a collaboration between Universitas Indonesia and Anglia Ruskin University and is supported by our Going Global Gender Equality Partnership Grants.