Saraswati Fellowship Graduates 30 Women After Three-Month Mentorship Programme

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Saraswati Fellowship has graduated 30 women from diverse backgrounds and various regions across Indonesia after three months of guidance from trusted mentors, preparing them to become reliable future leaders.

Saraswati Fellowship initiator Rahayu Saraswati D. Djojohadikusumo explained that the 30 women comprised 15 final-year university students and 15 mid-career professionals.

“We want to prepare women who have capacity and capability in their respective fields, but help them map a path to the highest levels of leadership and also provide them with soft skills,” said Sara following the graduation ceremony at the National Museum in Jakarta on Sunday.

Over the past three months, the women were mentored by leading figures in their fields, ranging from Indonesian Employers’ Association (Apindo) Chairwoman Shinta Kamdani to Tamara Dewi Gondo Soerijo, who was listed among Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia in 2024.

“For three months they underwent mentoring with these super mentors, and today we celebrate their journey and also present them to the world so they can become future leaders of Indonesia,” said Sara.

In her address at the graduation, Sara, who also serves as Deputy Chairwoman of House of Representatives Commission VII, emphasised the need for more women at policy-making tables. Fellowship recipients were encouraged to get involved.

“Often many women have the capacity but lack the opportunity to be part of decision-making, whether in the world of politics or in their respective fields,” she said.

“The hope is that through the Saraswati Fellowship, where all super mentors are outstanding individuals who can help open doors for them, we will consequently see many more women at those decision-making tables,” she added.

The graduation marks the beginning of the journey for the 30 selected women. Mentoring will continue, as Sara noted that mentorship is a lifelong process.

“We will certainly ensure that communication, collaboration and mentoring continue. Not just during the Saraswati Fellowship itself, but for a lifetime, and the collaboration and relationships that have been forged are expected to endure,” she said.

Sara stressed that women’s empowerment, particularly in leadership, plays a vital role for a nation. According to her, when women rise, the nation rises with them.