Bandung, 16 June 2023. Through the Sisternet program, PT XL Axiata Tbk (XL Axiata), is committed to continuing to encourage the proportion of women's roles in the world of work and business. For this reason, Sisternet held another talk show "Sistertalk" with the theme "Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Women on Economic Empowerment". Attended by around 200 participants, the event which took place at XL Centre Bandung, Thursday (15/06) featured Group Chief People Officer of Axiata Group, Norlida Azmi, as one of the speakers.
Norlida Azmi, said, "Women often face obstacles in building confidence in their environment, in their workplace, as well as in building businesses. At Axiata Group, we believe that women need to be empowered in all aspects. We therefore endeavour to build a work culture where women can work comfortably, as well as provide opportunities to develop their technical and managerial skills."
In her presentation, Norlida also shared the twists and turns she faced in pursuing her career. It is undeniable that there are times when women do not get support from fellow women. Women are challenged to be willing to trust and provide support in increasing their potential. Better co-operation is needed. We can shape change and impact from smaller things even ourselves, especially how we look at fellow women who are struggling to improve their value.
Globally, Axiata Group also has a program called Women in Leadership Axiata. This program brings together women leaders, both internally and externally, to provide exposure to each other and network with more women. Not only that, Axiata Group also continues to encourage the creation of various platforms to support and facilitate women to develop their capabilities, Norlida further explained.
One such platform is Sisternet. The application, which can be downloaded through the App Store on IOS and Google Play Store on Android, is very flexible and developed according to the needs of women in Indonesia in the use of digital and technology. Through Sisternet, XL Axiata continues to demonstrate its commitment to encourage the acceleration and improvement of the empowerment of Indonesian women starting from the smallest environment, where they are.
This talk show also raised topics about women from various backgrounds. The speakers were invited to share their inspirational experiences by raising various women's issues. Hopefully, they can inspire and motivate other women.
Also present as a guest speaker at this event was Digital Transformation Specialist of Ibu Kota Nusantara (IKN) Authority, Dita Amalya. Dita engaged participants in discussions on a variety of topics, including strategies for crossing over into "masculine" functions in the government sector, how to get through the difficult times of reaching their current position, strategies for breaking stereotypes in the professional world as a woman and activities that can increase value and confidence.
Dita said, "Currently, women only hold 28% of leadership roles in the public and private sectors. In fact, the opportunities between men and women are basically the same, but it is the stigma of society that creates that difference. In shaping the smart city concept at IKN itself, we pay close attention to the user persona of women and children. This is certainly a consideration in creating a smart city so that all are comfortable. For example, we are currently developing the "Coding Mom" program, a special program for women to encourage the improvement of the capabilities of women in IKN. Hopefully, these women can improve their digital literacy first."
Meanwhile, the owner of Imah Babaturan restaurant in Bandung, Anggiya Bonita, talked about how to get through the tough times as a woman-preneur. How to develop strategies that can drive her business forward, to strategies used to empower those around her. She believes that in running this business, a woman is given an advantage in terms of her ability to organise the strategies needed.
"Feminine energy flowed heavily in the process of building this restaurant business. Including in the strategy of shaping promos, the process of serving customers and managing finances. The restaurant that we built has even experienced losses several times before it developed into what it is today," Anggiya continued.
Currently, the structure at XL Axiata itself allows women to get the same work opportunities as men. In terms of income, there is no longer a gap. So far, the company continues to see opportunities from different angles, to achieve Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) principles and standards by training women, supporting their progress and increasing the representation of women at governance and decision-making levels.
By 2023, Sisternet will reach and support 1 million women across Indonesia. To date, at least more than 500 thousand women have joined and accessed the Sisternet application. A number of collaboration programs and new application features have been prepared to be a solution for Indonesian women to be better.
Distributing Aid to Orphanages in Bandung to Visit Retail Outlets
Located at the Sundanese cultural learning centre, Saung Angklung Udjo, Bandung, employees through the XL Axiata Baik program once again distributed a number of donations to the Kurnia Asih Children's Orphanage. The donation was distributed directly by Group Chief People Officer of Axiata Group, Norlida Azmi, Chief Human Capital Officer of XL Axiata, M. Hira Kurnia, Group Head People Service and Facility Management of XL Axiata, Ryyld Ipbtas Yusri and Group Head Central Region of XL Axiata, Arif Farhan Budiyanto.
Hira Kurnia, explained, "Not only in the form of financial donations to support the needs of the orphanage, this program also held literacy on the importance of reading from an early age, to education on the variety of Sundanese culture to the orphanage children present. As part of the XL Axiata family, we certainly hope that the sustainability of the company can also provide value and benefits to the wider community."
On the same day, the management of Axiata Group through the AKBAR (Akrab Bareng Retail Outlet) program paid a direct visit to retailers and customers at one of the retail outlets located in the Dago tourist area, Bandung. Through this retail store visit program, XL Axiata wants to encourage all employees to management to get feedback from them directly or through "New XLife". An application created by XL Axiata's internal team to access various information, including those related to the results of customer satisfaction surveys conducted by employees. Furthermore, the company hopes to improve the customer experience of XL Axiata products and services.