Empowering Women in the Indonesian Geothermal Industry

Abstract

In 2017, to celebrate International Women’s Day and in conjunction with 60 years of friendship and collaboration between Indonesia and New Zealand, an event was hosted by New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) to highlight and celebrate the contribution women make to the geothermal sector in Indonesia. Since then, an Indonesian chapter of WING was launched, a mentoring programme established and several events a year held to bring women from many parts of the industry together. As is prevalent in the global geothermal industry, participation of women is low with only 10-15% at graduate levels and even lower at middle and senior management levels. Mentoring young woman through their careers is noted a key facilitator in encouraging them to remain in the industry and to push for managerial roles and responsibilities. Additionally, networking events specially aimed at women provide an efficient way to meet valuable contacts and gain ideas. And for some, female-only networking groups provide a space for gender issues and equality to be discussed without judgement. The geothermal sector in Indonesia needs to be actively involved in supporting and encouraging women in the industry, to have open and candid discussions on structural, organisational and societal barriers that hinder gender equity and to give women the tools and a voice to reach for the top.