ITS Vice Rector III, Imam Baihaqi ST MSc PhD, delivering his remarks at the ITS Leadership School 2025

ITS Campus, ITS News — To support inclusive and sustainable development by prioritizing justice and inclusiveness, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) provided officials with insights through a Gender Action Plan (GAP) Workshop and Training at the ITS Leadership School 2025. The event was held at the Auditorium of the ITS Research Center Building on Wednesday, July 23.

The Executive Chairman, Muhammad Ubaidillah Al Mustofa BSc MSEI, explained that this year’s event, which is part of the annual ITS Leadership School series, focused on the theme of Strengthening Capacity in Gender Mainstreaming. The primary focus of the discussion was on gender equality, social inclusion, and the fulfillment of disability rights.

The event invited high-ranking officials involved in development at ITS, ranging from vice rectors to department secretaries. “This is aimed at building awareness and commitment to develop programs and policies that address these key issues,” he explained.

Discussion session led by speaker Suharti MA from Rifka Annisa WCC (center) at the ITS Leadership School 2025

Opening the event series, Vice Rector III for Human Resources, Organization, and Information Systems Technology at ITS, Imam Baihaqi ST MSc PhD, stated that GAP itself is a mandate from Higher Education for Technology and Innovation (HETI). Imam also emphasized the importance of strengthening capacity in gender mainstreaming to support education on campus. “Diversity drives the advancement of knowledge and innovation,” he said.

To reinforce this commitment, a joint signing of the Gender Sensitivity Commitment and Action Plan Declaration was also conducted during the event. The declaration was signed directly by Imam, followed by the Institute Secretary, Prof Dr Ir Umi Laili Yuhana SKom MSc, and the ITS Academic Senate Chairman, Prof Dr Syafsir Akhlus MSc. This milestone marks the initial step for ITS in implementing policies that prioritize equality and inclusivity.

Continuing the series of events, there was a discussion session with expert speakers and those experienced in related issues. The Founder of the Gender Studies Center at Universitas Brawijaya, Prof Keppi Sukesi, opened the discussion. In the second session, the presenter was Suharti MA from Rifka Annisa WCC, an organization dedicated to eliminating violence against women and empowering victims in Yogyakarta, who artist and gender activist Syska La Veggie accompanied.

The signing of the Gender Sensitivity Commitment Declaration and ITS Action Plan was conducted by the Institute Secretary, Prof Dr Ir Umi Laili Yuhana SKom MSc, CRP (center)

The event will continue the following day, Thursday (July 24), at the Oakwood Hotel & Residence in Surabaya. The activities will include training and collaborative discussions, including the ITS action plan. During the follow-up activities, programs and policies will be formulated, which are expected to serve as input for ITS leadership in the future.

This activity also serves as tangible evidence of ITS’s commitment to prioritizing gender sensitivity in the implementation and sustainability of infrastructure development programs, aiming to create a tangible impact on society. This aligns with supporting the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) points 4, 10, and 17, which focus on gender equality, reducing inequality, and partnerships to achieve goals. (ITS Public Relations)

Reporter: Bella Ramadhani
Translator: Lael Soebakir