Two years of engagement and collaboration between women in Indonesia and Australia has ensured a project from Flinders University’s Associate Professor Helen McLaren raises understanding of the world’s future sustainable development goals in the wake of the pandemic, and identifies what needs to happen to ensure that women continue to have a voice heard in these discussions.

The project, titled “Women’s Interdisciplinary Round Table: COVID-19 and the Future of Sustainable Development Goals“, was funded by the Australia-Indonesia Institute and Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. It involved academics from Flinders University and Universitas Padjadjaran, along with high-level women leaders and advocates in discussion. Round Tables and discussions aimed to keep women’s intellectual dialogue at the forefront for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information and to watch the videos, click here.

Associate Professor McLaren says the COVID-19 pandemic has challenged maintaining the momentum in women’s advancement around the world.

“As many of the women said, COVID-19 shone a spotlight on issues that already existed for women. Associate Professor Lorna Hallahan, who participated in the project said, ‘We cannot go back to pre-COVID times.’ Sadly, these discussions have simply shown that we are a long way from achieving equity for women,” says Associate Professor McLaren.

Sustainable Development Goals offer a lens for dialogue and strategy among scientists, innovators and policy makers. These dialogues are important for elevating women’s rights, participatory governance and socio-political action. Change is needed to advance a better world for all humans, and keeping women’s voices at the forefront of these intellectual dialogues is crucial for the ongoing advancement of women.

Some of the notable women involved are:

• Dewi Sartika, Deputy Governor West Java.
• Professor Zuzy Anna, SDGs Centre Bandung Indonesia.
• Hetifah Sjaifudian, member of Indonesian Parliament and Flinders University alumni.
• Noneng Komara, Senior Executive in West Java Government.
• Nurliana Cipta Apsari, Social Work Educator and Flinders University alumni.
• Helen Connolly, Commissioner for Children and Young People South Australia.
• Heather Holmes, Mayor of Mitcham Council, Australia.
• Mary Heath, Extinction Rebellion.
• Amalia Sosrodiredjo, Founding Director of Decorum Group.
• Dr Alice Clark, Executive Director, Shelter SA.

Associate Professor McLaren thanks her collaborators in this project – Dr Emi Patmisari and Associate Professor Cassandra Star from Flinders University, and Associate Professor Ida Widianingsih and Dr Binahayati Rusyidi from Universitas Padjadjaran, West Java Indonesia.