SDG 5: GENDER QUALITY
“Women and girls continue to suffer discrimination and violence in every part of the world. Gender equality is a fundamental human right, and a foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world. Providing women and girls with equal access to education is a key part of delivering gender equality, but universities also have a wider role to drive forward gender equality in their communities.”
(THE Impact Rankings)
Tracking Access Measures
In 2024, ITS systematically measured and monitored women’s access to higher education through data tracking on application, acceptance, and enrolment rates. This effort is managed under the Directorate of Education and integrated into the MyITS Admission system to ensure transparent and inclusive admission practices.
Based on the 2024 data, women constituted 49.2% of first-generation students starting a degree program, reflecting significant participation among students whose parents had not previously attained higher education. A total of 2,620 women began their degree studies at ITS, including 1,288 first-generation female students.
These measures demonstrate ITS’ strong commitment to promoting equal access for women and underrepresented groups, while continuously improving data-based monitoring to support gender-inclusive education policies.
Non Discriminatory Policy for Equal Access and Admission of Women at ITS
Student admissions at ITS are conducted in accordance with the Government Regulation on ITS Status, Paragraph 2 “Student Admission”, Article 18 (2), which states that
“ITS implements an admission system for all types of education objectively, transparently, accountably, non-discriminatorily, and with consideration of educational equity.”
In addition, this policy is reinforced by the Rector’s Circular Letter No. 9665/IT2/T/TU.00.08/V/2024 on ITS Commitment to Achieving a Green and Sustainable Campus (Chapter II: Welfare). Point (b) of this circular explicitly guarantees
“The absence of discrimination or violence based on religion, ethnicity, race, or gender, both in student admissions and in human resource management.”
ITS ensures equal opportunities for women to apply and be admitted to all academic programs, including those where female representation remains limited, such as Mechanical Engineering, Marine Engineering, and Electrical Engineering. In the previous year, the Department of Mechanical Engineering provided special consideration for female applicants through the SNMPTN admission scheme, which has contributed to increasing the proportion of female students in STEM fields at ITS.
ITS students collaborated to establish ITS Nabu, a platform focusing on cybersecurity projects. On March 22, 2024. ITS Nabu organized Women in Cyber Security: Cyber Security Training Session at the Department of Informatics Engineering. The training specifically targeted female participants to encourage more women to engage in cybersecurity and expand their opportunities to grow in the technology field.
Empowering Female Students through Girl Up ITS
The female student organization Girl Up ITS continuously promotes women’s empowerment through campaigns and mentoring programs. One of its key mentoring sessions, A Feminist Manifesto: Intersectional Feminism to Nurture an Inclusive Community (August 19, 2024), aimed to challenge unequal power structures and ensure equal opportunities for all women.
ITS and OWSD Indonesia Collaboration for Inclusive Research
ITS hosted the Symposium on Inclusive Collaborative Research on October 21, 2024, initiated by the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) Indonesia. Carrying the theme Fostering Diversity in Science, the program aimed to enhance the participation of women researchers through inclusive collaborative research, promote diversity in global scientific studies, and contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Women’s Access and Admission in Underrepresented Fields
Student admissions at ITS are conducted in accordance with the Government Regulation on ITS Status, Paragraph 2 “Student Admission”, Article 18 (2), which states that
“ITS implements an admission system for all types of education objectively, transparently, accountably, non-discriminatorily, and with consideration of educational equity.”
In addition, this policy is reinforced by the Rector’s Circular Letter No. 9665/IT2/T/TU.00.08/V/2024 on ITS Commitment to Achieving a Green and Sustainable Campus (Chapter II: Welfare). Point (b) of this circular explicitly guarantees
“The absence of discrimination or violence based on religion, ethnicity, race, or gender, both in student admissions and in human resource management.”
ITS ensures equal opportunities for women to apply and be admitted to all academic programs, including those where female representation remains limited, such as Mechanical Engineering, Marine Engineering, and Electrical Engineering. In the previous year, the Department of Mechanical Engineering provided special consideration for female applicants through the SNMPTN admission scheme, which has contributed to increasing the proportion of female students in STEM fields at ITS.
Policy of Non-Discrimination Against Women
ITS upholds a strong institutional commitment to gender equality and inclusivity through its welfare policy stated in Chapter II (Welfare) of the university’s internal guidelines, which is reinforced by the Rector’s Circular Letter No. 9665/IT2/T/TU.00.08/V/2024 on ITS Commitment to Achieving a Green and Sustainable Campus. This policy ensures a fair, safe, and non-discriminatory environment for all members of the academic community.
Chapter II point (b) affirms “the absence of discrimination or violence based on religion, ethnicity, race, or gender, both in student admissions and in human resource management.” This clause explicitly protects women from any form of gender-based discrimination in both academic and employment contexts.
Chapter II point (c) states that “academic activities and community life shall be conducted based on the principles of equality, humanity, and justice,” ensuring equal opportunities for all genders in participation and leadership.
Chapter II point (d) further guarantees “the absence of physical, psychological, bullying, sexual, or gender-based violence, discrimination, intolerance, and any policy containing elements of violence.”
Non-Discrimination Policy for Marginalized People
ITS upholds an inclusive and respectful academic environment for all members of its community, including marginalized individuals. In line with its commitment to equality and human rights, ITS enforces a non-discrimination policy that explicitly protects all students and staff—regardless of their background.
This policy, in place by 2024, is embedded within the Rector’s Circular on ITS’ Commitment as a Green and Sustainable Campus (2024) and broader institutional policies on ethical conduct and equal opportunity. It ensures that no individual experiences exclusion, harassment, or unfair treatment in academic, administrative, or employment settings due to their identity.
Through this policy, ITS reinforces its stance as an inclusive higher education institution that values diversity and provides a safe and supportive environment for all, particularly for marginalized members of its community.
Gender Inclusive Employment through Maternity & Paternity Leave Policy
ITS upholds gender equality and inclusivity in the workplace in accordance with Indonesia’s Law No. 13 of 2003 on Manpower, which guarantees maternity and paternity leave for working parents. Under this law, female employees are entitled to three months of fully paid maternity leave, while male employees are entitled to two days of paternity leave, which may be extended by up to three additional days to support their partners during childbirth.
This national provision is reinforced at the institutional level through ITS’ Rector’s Regulation No. 25 of 2021, which ensures comprehensive maternity protection and equitable employment practices. Chapter IX of the regulation stipulates that Civil Servant (PNS) and Non-Civil Servant (Non-PNS) employees are entitled to maternity leave of up to three months with full remuneration, in line with prevailing laws.
Through these aligned national and institutional policies, ITS promotes a gender-inclusive and family-friendly work environment that recognizes the shared responsibilities of both parents and ensures equal opportunities for all employees.
ITS guarantees gender equality and women’s participation in the workplace through a comprehensive maternity policy regulated under the Rector’s Regulation No. 25 of 2021, which remains in effect during 2024.
Chapter IX – Leave, Article 42 paragraphs (1) and (2) state that:
(1) Employees are entitled to take leave.
(2) The types of leave referred to in paragraph (1) include: c. maternity leave.
Chapter IX – Leave, Article 46 paragraphs (1)–(7) further stipulate that:
(1) Civil Servants (PNS) are entitled to maternity leave in accordance with the prevailing laws and regulations.
(2) For the birth of the first to the third child, permanent and prospective Non-Civil Servant employees (Non-PNS) are entitled to maternity leave.
(3) For the birth of the fourth child and beyond, permanent and prospective Non-PNS employees are granted extended leave.
(4) The duration of maternity leave as referred to in paragraphs (1) and (2) is three (3) months.
(5) Each permanent or prospective Non-PNS employee intending to take maternity leave must submit a written request to their immediate supervisor accompanied by a medical certificate.
(6) During the maternity leave period, permanent and prospective Non-PNS employees are entitled to receive full remuneration.
(7) The provisions for maternity leave for non-permanent Non-PNS employees shall be regulated in a separate Rector’s Regulation.
Childcare Facilities for ITS Students
ITS provides accessible childcare facilities for students through KB & TK Sepuluh Nopember. Located at Jalan Teknik Sipil No. 3, ITS Campus Sukolilo, Surabaya, KB & TK Sepuluh Nopember is an early childhood education institution established in 2000 and accredited “A”. The school accommodates more than 70 children and is open to both ITS students, staff, and the surrounding community.
By providing childcare facilities within the campus area, ITS enables student parents, especially recent mothers to continue their studies without compromising their childcare responsibilities. The kindergarten offers a safe and supportive learning environment equipped with classrooms, a library, a hall, and a playground, as well as various activities such as parenting seminars, religious events, and music classes that involve both children and parents.
Through this facility, ITS demonstrates its commitment to promoting gender equality and supporting access to education for student parents.
Childcare Facilities for ITS Staff and Faculty
ITS provides childcare facilities for staff and faculty through KB & TK Sepuluh Nopember. Located at Jalan Teknik Sipil No. 3, ITS Campus Sukolilo, Surabaya, KB & TK Sepuluh Nopember is an early childhood education institution established in 2000 and accredited “A”. The school accommodates over 70 children and serves both ITS employees and the surrounding community.
The kindergarten offers a safe, engaging, and nurturing learning environment with complete facilities, including classrooms, a library, a multipurpose hall, and a playground. In addition to daily educational activities, the school regularly organizes parenting seminars, religious events, music classes, and collaborative programs involving both students and parents.
Through this facility, ITS supports its staff and faculty in balancing their professional and family responsibilities while also contributing to the community’s access to quality early childhood education.
Supporting women’s empowerment, ITS provides various women’s mentoring schemes in which more than 10% of female students actively participate. These initiatives aim to strengthen women’s roles in education, technology, and research.
Cybersecurity Training to Strengthen Women’s Role in Technology
ITS students collaborated to establish ITS Nabu, a platform focusing on cybersecurity projects. On March 22, 2024. ITS Nabu organized Women in Cyber Security: Cyber Security Training Session at the Department of Informatics Engineering. The training specifically targeted female participants to encourage more women to engage in cybersecurity and expand their opportunities to grow in the technology field.
Empowering Female Students through Girl Up ITS
The female student organization Girl Up ITS continuously promotes women’s empowerment through campaigns and mentoring programs. One of its key mentoring sessions, A Feminist Manifesto: Intersectional Feminism to Nurture an Inclusive Community (August 19, 2024), aimed to challenge unequal power structures and ensure equal opportunities for all women.
ITS and OWSD Indonesia Collaboration for Inclusive Research
ITS hosted the Symposium on Inclusive Collaborative Research on October 21, 2024, initiated by the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) Indonesia. Carrying the theme Fostering Diversity in Science, the program aimed to enhance the participation of women researchers through inclusive collaborative research, promote diversity in global scientific studies, and contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Whistle Blowing System to Protect Reporters of Discrimination
ITS is strongly committed to creating a safe and inclusive campus environment by implementing policies that protect individuals reporting discrimination or violations from any educational or employment disadvantage.
To support this, ITS established the Information and Documentation Management Officer (PPID) through Rector’s Decree No. 585/IT2/T/HK.00.01/2022, later refined by Rector’s Decree No. 103/IT2/T/HK.00.01/VI/2025 concerning the PPID Team within ITS.
Under these regulations, ITS provides a Whistle Blowing System as a formal mechanism for individuals who have information and wish to report actions that may indicate misconduct within the university.
In particular, the section “Reporter Confidentiality Guarantee” ensures that the identity of whistleblowers remains strictly confidential, as ITS focuses only on the information reported. To maintain confidentiality, whistleblowers are advised to:
- Avoid providing personal information such as name or relationship with the parties involved.
- Avoid submitting data or information that may enable others to trace their identity.
- Keep their registration number private.
Public information and complaint reports can be submitted through the following official channels:
- PPID Public Website
- LAPOR!
- ITS Public Relations Email
- Written letter addressed to Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember
- Direct face-to-face reporting
SDG 5 IN NUMBERS
0.68
Proportion of Female 1st Generation Students
0.32
Proportion of Female STEM graduates
N/A
Proportion of Female Medicine Graduates
0.49
Proportion of Female Arts
