As part of the celebrations surrounding International Women’s Day, the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin Indonesia) collaborated with Müstakil Sanayici ve Isadamlari Dernegi (MUSIAD) Indonesia for a discussion titled “Cup of Change: Women Empowering Progress” on March 8.
Initiated by Kadin’s women’s empowerment division, the hybrid event was attended by more than 100 people, and was held as an effort to empower female entrepreneurs, create a more inclusive national economy and bridge a deeper connection between Indonesia and Turkey.
The discussions touched on topics related to aspects of women’s empowerment, especially women’s entrepreneurial skills, leadership and self-development.
Carmelita Hartoto, deputy general chair coordinator for human quality improvement, research and technology and innovation at Kadin Indonesia, said female entrepreneurs played an important role in the national economic development.
She highlighted the fact that around 64 percent of the total micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Indonesia are owned by women. In 2023, the MSME sector contributed 60.5 percent of the national gross domestic product (GDP).
“This talk show aims to increase women’s leadership in entrepreneurship and also as a means of networking, especially with female entrepreneurs from Turkey,” said Carmelita, adding that the discussions could also be a means of sharing women’s personal experiences in their process of climbing the ladder to success.
“We hope that this will inspire and motivate other women so that they can explore their own potential and support the progress of women in society.”
Nihal Yazici Aygun, chair of MUSIAD Women Indonesia, expressed her appreciation for the close cooperation between Indonesia and Turkey, starting from knowledge sharing to opening markets between Indonesian and Turkish women entrepreneurs.
“We hope that events like this can continue to be held to build relationships between entrepreneurs and motivate fellow female entrepreneurs,” she said.
During the event, Tri Hanurita, deputy general chair for women’s empowerment at Kadin Indonesia, emphasized that solidarity between women entrepreneurs in Indonesia must continue to be maintained in order to expand their market potential.
“With the potential of women entrepreneurs especially in the MSME sector, solidarity between women entrepreneurs in Indonesia must continue to be well maintained. In addition, Indonesian women entrepreneurs need to be confident in continuing to network, for example with entrepreneurs from Turkey, to expand their market,” she concluded.
