The paradigm regarding the role of women in the business world has undergone a significant shift. Today, the debate over women's ability to lead businesses is over; the primary focus has now shifted to efforts to provide equal access to capital, technology, and professional networks for them.
At the Indonesia Women in Finance (IWF) 2026 Annual Conference, stakeholders emphasized that women's empowerment is not just a gender equality agenda, but a strategic pillar for national economic growth. Women's contribution through the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) sector is seen as a vital driving engine, yet it is still often hindered by a lack of access to financing and mentoring.
Melisa Hendrawati, CFO of PT Super Bank Indonesia Tbk., emphasized that the current challenge is to build self-confidence and resilience among women entrepreneurs so that their businesses can be sustainable. Echoing this, cross-sector collaboration involving the government, financial institutions, and professional communities is considered a crucial step to remove these barriers.
The conference also featured a lineup of inspiring figures such as Dayu Dara Permata and Yessie D. Yosetya to share leadership strategies amidst a dynamic economic landscape. In addition to in-depth discussions, the event introduced a book titled 'Career Jungle', which highlights the need for adaptability in the modern workplace, which is no longer linear but filled with opportunities across various fields.
Through initiatives like the 'Speedy Mentoring' session, IWF 2026 seeks to create a supportive ecosystem for aspiring women entrepreneurs. It is hoped that this synergy will foster resilient, innovative future business leaders who can deliver a broad positive impact on the Indonesian economy.
