19 December 2024
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These frameworks support USU’s mission to close the gender gap in fields where women have been historically underrepresented—particularly in Engineering, Computer Science, Agriculture, and Environmental Sciences.
To encourage more young women to pursue STEM degrees, the Directorate of Education Development and Directorate of Student and Alumni Affairs organize pre-university outreach events and STEM Open Days across North Sumatra. In 2024, more than 1,500 female students from 28 partner schools participated in workshops, laboratory demonstrations, and mentorship sessions under the “Women in Science and Technology” campaign.
These activities are supported by female faculty mentors from the Faculty of Engineering ,Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology, and Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, who serve as role models and advocates for women in STEM education.
“Inspiring young women to explore science and technology begins with exposure and mentorship,” said Ikhsan Siregar, ST., M.Eng., Ph.D, Director of Education Development at Universitas Sumatera Utara. “Through these outreach efforts, USU is creating a pathway for women to enter and thrive in disciplines that will shape the future of innovation.”
To eliminate financial barriers, USU provides Poverty Targeted Scholarship and STEM-focused grants for women entering technical fields. In 2024, around 230 women received targeted financial and academic support to pursue degrees in engineering, physics, mathematics, and computer science.
Further, the Center for Independent Learning and Community Service Institute run mentoring and research training programmes for first-year women students, equipping them with the confidence and skills to excel in their chosen disciplines.
USU also fosters retention and leadership development through dedicated mentorship networks such as the “Women Engineers Network” and the “Girls in Innovation Club”, which now include more than 500 active participants across three faculties. These platforms offer academic guidance, peer support, and research collaboration opportunities, encouraging women to take leadership roles in science and innovation projects.
“Women’s presence in STEM is essential for advancing Indonesia’s innovation and sustainability goals,” stated Prof. Dr. Muryanto Amin, S.Sos., M.Si., Rector of Universitas Sumatera Utara. “Through education, mentorship, and research empowerment, USU is ensuring that women have equal opportunities to contribute to science, technology, and national development.”
USU’s proactive approach to promoting women in STEM demonstrates strong alignment with SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality). The initiatives are further supported by Rector’s Regulation No. 3 of 2019 on the Green and Sustainable Campus and Rector’s Circular Letter No. 1 of 2023 on inclusion and sustainability.
By expanding access, mentorship, and leadership pathways for women in technical disciplines, USU continues to build a generation of women scientists, engineers, and innovators—driving progress toward equitable participation in science, research, and sustainable development.
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