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IAHN GDE PUDJA MATARAM STRENGTHENS GENDER MAINSTREAMING THROUGH COLLABORATIVE FGD WITH DHARMA WANITA PERSATUAN


IAHN GDE PUDJA MATARAM STRENGTHENS GENDER MAINSTREAMING THROUGH COLLABORATIVE FGD WITH DHARMA WANITA PERSATUAN

The Gender Studies Center (PSG) of IAHN Gde Pudja Mataram, in collaboration with the Dharma Wanita Persatuan (DWP), organized a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on Gender Mainstreaming at the 3rd-floor Auditorium of the Rectorate Building on Monday (24/11). The event carried the theme “Realizing Gender Equality in Education and Society.”

The implementation of this FGD is grounded not only in institutional commitments but also in Hindu philosophical values that emphasize dignity and equality. One of the foundational references comes from Manawa Dharmasastra III.56, which states:

“Yatra nāryastu pūjyante ramante tatra devatāḥ.”

“Where women are honored, there the gods rejoice.”

This verse affirms that honoring, empowering, and protecting women is a principle deeply rooted in Hindu ethics, providing a moral and cultural basis for strengthening gender equality initiatives within educational and societal contexts.

In her report, the Committee Chair and Coordinator of PSG IAHN, Ni Komang Wiasti, S.Pd., M.Pd.H., emphasized that the FGD is one of the Center’s strategic programs. “Because DWP also carries duties and roles aligned with the Gender Studies Center, we coordinated with the Chair of DWP and agreed to collaborate, build synergy, and strengthen each other to advance the institution now and in the future,” she said.

The FGD gathered 90 participants from a wide range of stakeholders, including DWP members, lecturers, staff, WHDI, religious instructors, Dharmika, Rumah Bina Keluarga Sukinah (RBKS), and Sarati Banten Indonesia (SBI). Also in attendance were the Head of Hindu Community Guidance of the NTB Regional Office of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, as well as representatives involved in the signing of MOUs and MOAs. During the event, cooperation agreements were signed between PSGA Universitas Mataram (Unram) and PSG IAHN, alongside partnerships between IAHN and several organizations including RBKS, WHDI, and SBI.

Chair of Dharma Wanita Persatuan IAHN, Ir. Ni Wayan Ersani Wirata, was present and expressed full support for the activity. The FGD featured keynote speaker Prof. Dr. Ir. Ruth Stella Petrunella Thei, MS., from Universitas Mataram, accompanied by gender expert Dr. Dra. Hj. Sri Wahyulina, M.Hum.

Chair of the Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM) IAHN, Dr. Ni Luh Sinar Ayu Ratna Dewi, S.S., M.Ag., highlighted that gender equality is a human issue—one that determines the direction of future development. Inclusive education and gender-aware communities, she noted, are essential to creating empowered and just generations.

Rector of IAHN Gde Pudja Mataram, Prof. Dr. Ir. I Wayan Wirata, A.Ma., S.E., M.Si., M.Pd., emphasized that the FGD aims to broaden understanding of the importance of gender equality in society. “As an educational hub, IAHN must disseminate gender equality perspectives to strengthen human resources not only within families but also in public spheres,” he said.

He added that routine activities such as this FGD can help transform societal mindsets.

“We hope to encourage women to stand equally alongside men—not judged by gender, but by professionalism and competence,” he stressed.

Participants responded enthusiastically throughout the session, which included expert presentations followed by an interactive discussion. Many expressed hope that similar programs in the future could be extended into longer formats, such as gender training sessions or workshops, to deepen practical understanding and implementation.

By: DKS

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