Jakarta, 21 November 2023: The Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) was pleased to welcome Stephanie Copus Campbell AM, Australia’s Ambassador for Gender Equality, and four officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australia, to exchange discussion on ERIA’s work on women economic empowerment, women in digital and inclusivity.

During the discussion, Dr Giulia Ajmone Marsan, ERIA’s Strategy and Partnership Director, shared several of ERIA’s initiatives and activities aimed at promoting women’s economic empowerment. These efforts involve research and engagement with international dialogue partners, including Australia, to mainstream the importance of women as key drivers in critical sectors such as entrepreneurship, digital economy, agriculture, innovation, and sustainability. The discussion also addressed barriers that women still face, including the relatively lower participation of women in STEM in the workforce, navigating digital safety and education for women, as well as scaling up women-led businesses. Both parties shared insights on how to progress on these issues. ERIA also plans to incorporate topics related to women and economics within the ERIA Digital Innovation and Sustainable Economy Centre.

Caroline Scott, Deputy Ambassador, Australian Mission to ASEAN, Mariam Diakite, First Secretary, Australian Mission to ASEAN, Lizzy Jenkins, Assistant Director, Southeast Asia Gender and Human Development, Felicity Lane, First Secretary, Australian Embassy Jakarta, Lina Maulidina, Senior Program Officer, ERIA and Amelia Litania, Program Officer, ERIA joined the visit.