To kick off the International Women’s Day celebrations, the Australian Consulate General and the Denpasar City Government hosted a panel discussion titled “Women as Agents of Change” on March 7, 2025. The event featured prominent speakers, including Prof. Dr. Ni Putu Tirka Widanti, Rector of Ngurah Rai University; Handoko Rama, Leader of the ROLE Foundation; and Laksmi DeNeefe Suardana, Puteri Indonesia and Miss Universe Indonesia 2022. The discussion centered on the United Nations’ global theme for International Women’s Day, focusing on women’s rights, equality, and strategies to advance gender parity.

The event also saw participation from representatives of local universities and the Denpasar City Government, including I Gusti Agung Sri Wetrawati, Head of the Women’s Empowerment, Child Protection, Population Control, and Family Planning Office (DP3AP2KB). Their involvement underscored the collective effort required to address gender disparities and promote women’s empowerment at all levels of society.

The discussions and initiatives highlighted during the event reinforced the need for sustained efforts to achieve gender equality. While progress has been made, challenges remain, and partnerships like the one between Australia and Indonesia are crucial in driving meaningful change. The event concluded with a renewed commitment to empowering women and creating a more inclusive and equitable future.

As the world commemorates International Women’s Day, the collaboration between Australia and Indonesia serves as a powerful example of how international partnerships can drive progress toward gender equality. By investing in education, skill development, and community empowerment, both nations are paving the way for a brighter, more equitable future for women and girls.( Uki Ruknuddin)

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