On April 22, 2024, Energy Academy Indonesia (ECADIN), as official partner of the Ministry of Industry of the Republic of Indonesia and with support from PT Pertamina, organized the Business Forum “Forging Smart and Sustainable Industry” at the Indonesia Pavilion in Hannover Messe, Germany. This event, part of the world’s largest industrial exhibition, aimed to foster collaboration and showcase innovative solutions for smart and sustainable industries. Among the highlights was a compelling panel discussion titled “Women in Industry 4.0“.
Highlighting Women’s Leadership: Panel Discussion on “Women in Industry 4.0”
The forum featured accomplished women leaders who shared their remarkable experiences and insights on driving industrial progress in the digital age. Moderated by Candra Sutama, COO at ECADIN, the discussion explored the pivotal role of women in the industrial landscape, drawing inspiration from the legacy of Kartini, an Indonesian national heroine celebrated for her advocacy of women’s rights and education.
Perspectives from Industry Leaders
Nicke Widyawati, President Director of PT Pertamina (Persero), shared her perspective on steering Indonesia’s largest energy company toward cleaner and more sustainable energy practices. Nicke challenged the notion of a male-dominated energy sector, asserting, “Women can hold strategic positions in the energy industry. We possess the expertise to compete in knowledge exchange and have equal, if not greater, capacity in the energy sector.”
Echoing Nicke’s sentiments, Lucretia Loescher, COO at thyssenkrupp Uhde GmbH, highlighted the dearth of female role models in the energy field as a barrier to women’s involvement. “The absence of women in this sector is a significant loss for companies themselves. Empowering women with the freedom to choose opens doors for their entry into the industrial or energy sector.” remarked Lucretia.
Addressing Gender Bias in Technology
Sharing also a technological perspective, Zoya Alexeeva, VP of Software Strategy at Schneider Electric, shed light on the gender bias prevalent in artificial intelligence (AI), owing to the predominance of men in the field. “With over 80% of the AI ecosystem dominated by men, biases in data collection and analysis emerge. It’s imperative to invest in encouraging women’s participation in this sector,” emphasized Zoya.
Conclusion: Advocating for Inclusion and Collaboration
In conclusion, the panel discussion underscored the importance of providing equal opportunities for women and men, emphasizing that fostering a collaborative environment among women is a valuable asset for companies to embrace. The forum aimed to raise awareness about the indispensable roles of women in the digital era and advocate for the creation of more inclusive opportunities for women to contribute to the advancement of smart and sustainable industries.
