ILO launches the first gender equality and social inclusion handbook for Higher Education Institutions

This handbook is designed to be used in Gender Equality, Disabilities and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) training for staff and students in all types of vocational education and training institutions across Indonesia.

Press release | Jakarta, Indonesia | 24 January 2023
The launch of the ILO's Guideline and Manual titled Mainstreaming Gender Equality, Disabilities and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) and Preventing and Handling of Sexual Violence in Vocational Education and Training Institutions. (C) ILO/F. Latief
JAKARTA (Joint Press Release) – As an effort to promote social inclusion and prevent sexual violence in the academic sector, the International Labour Organization (ILO) is launching a guideline and training manual, “Mainstreaming Gender Equality, Disabilities and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) and Preventing and Handling of Sexual Violence in Vocational Education and Training Institutions”, today (24/1) in Jakarta. This initiative is a part of the ILO’s Skills for Prosperity (SfP) programme in Indonesia, funded by the British Government.

The first publications of its kind, the guideline and manual were developed through a series of literature studies and Focus Group Discussions (FGD) with students, instructors and administrative staff from four polytechnics known for their maritime studies in four coastal provinces: Batam State Polytechnic (Polibatam) in Riau Islands, State Maritime Polytechnic Indonesia (Polimarin) in Central Java, Manado State Polytechnic (Polimanado) in North Sulawesi and Surabaya State Shipbuilding Polytechnic (PPNS) in East Java.

Containing concepts and good practices related to GEDSI, the publication aims to support the commitment of the Indonesian government to reduce the number of violence and harassment in educational institutions as stipulated in the Minister of Education, Culture, Research and Technology (MoECRT) Regulation No. 30 of 2021 concerning the Prevention and Handling of Sexual Violence in Higher Education Institutions. The four polytechnic partners have become pilot institutions in implementing the guideline and training manual. This initiative is expected to be used and replicated in 40 other polytechnics as well as other vocational institutions.

“The Indonesian government is committed to recognize and promote gender equality and the prevention of sexual harassment and violence in educational institutions, particularly in higher education settings to create harassment and violence-free educational environment that will, in turn, improve the quality of education. My sincere appreciation goes to ILO for successfully developing the guideline and training manual on GEDSI together with four Indonesian state polytechnics. I believe that they can serve as additional references for vocational higher education institutions in Indonesia to prevent and handle sexual harassment and violence,” declared Beny Bandanadjaja, the Academic Director of Vocational Higher Education of the MoECRT.

The development of the publication is also a form of the ILO's commitment to promoting workplaces free from discrimination and violence, as reflected in the ILO Convention No. 190 on Violence and Harassment. "This guideline and training manual are an important development toward ensuring that students and teachers can learn and work in education institutions without fear of sexual violence and harassment. We hope this will empower youth and higher educational institutions to be part of the global and national actions toward creating a world of work in Indonesia, which is free of violence and harassment," said Michiko Miyamoto, ILO Country Director Indonesia and Timor-Leste.

Beny Bandanadjaja, the Academic Director of Vocational Higher Education of the MoECRT, is taking part in the launch by signing the covers of the ILO's guideline and manual together with the representatives of the ILO, UN in Indonesia and British Embassy for Indonesia. (c) ILO/F. Latief
The development of the guideline and training manual has taken almost three years, during which the Skills for Prosperity Programme has been partnering with the four polytechnics to conduct a series of capacity building activities in delivering inclusive education, free from sexual harassment and violence. The commitment of the four pilot polytechnics to promote GEDSI is also shown through the establishment of a senior taskforce (SATGAS), and the development and application of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for handling cases of sexual violence and harassment.

One of the reporting platforms used by PPNS, for example, is a WhatsApp platform managed by students’ organization to make students have the courage to speak up and comfortably report their cases. In addition, the pilot polytechnics have organized their own awareness raising initiatives by producing posters, banners and vides as well as organizing writing competitions for students. These promotional materials are also exhibited during the launch.

“The British Government is proud to have funded the Skills for Prosperity programme in Indonesia, and this particular initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to create a learning environment that allows access to anyone, regardless of their gender, social backgrounds and physical limitations. Every person has the right to explore their best potential. This also shows the UK’s renewed commitment to promoting equity in education, and in particular prioritising access for girls and young women to ensure they get the education they need to live full and prosperous lives. We will continue to work with all of our partners in Indonesia to improving quality of skills development and education, as part of our strengthening of the whole bilateral relationship across various sectors", said Owen Jenkins, British Ambassador to Indonesia and Timor-Leste.

The United Nations (UN) in Indonesia continuously campaigns for gender equality and anti-violence and harassment in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) No. 5 on Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment. “Harassment and discrimination can happen to anyone, anywhere. However, certain groups are more vulnerable, including women and young people. This is particularly so in the education environment, which includes a power gap between staff and students. It is therefore important to raise this issue by mainstreaming gender issues into the education system in Indonesia,” said Valerie Julliand, UN Residence Coordinator for Indonesia.

The Skills for Prosperity (SfP) programme

The Skills for Prosperity (SfP) programme is an innovative programme designed to support the development of education and skills systems across nine fast growing economies. In Indonesia, The Skills for Prosperity programme has collaborated with the International Labour Organization (ILO) to accelerate vocational education, skills and human capital development in the maritime sector through four polytechnic higher educations and in cooperation with 4 UK HEIs to establish new Diploma 4 programmes. This programme aims to improve Indonesia’s skills development policies and systems and enhance employability and future-readiness of young women and men including those from disadvantaged groups aspiring to pursue and advance career in the maritime industry.

For further information, please contact:

Gita Lingga
ILO's Communication Officer
Email: gita@ilo.org

Ayunda Pratama
ILO's Communication Officer for Skills Development
Email: pratama@ilo.org