Women No Longer Behind the Scenes as UNM Promotes New Academic Leadership

Women’s role in academic leadership continues to strengthen in higher education. Universitas Nusa Mandiri (UNM), a Digital Business Campus, is one of the institutions actively promoting gender equality and inclusive leadership collaboration in education development, research, and digital transformation. This is reflected in the active participation of women in various international strategic forums, including Dr Anton, Dean of UNM’s Faculty of Information Technology, who attended an international conference in Thailand alongside UNM’s Academic Vice-Rector, Dr Nita Merlina. The presence of female leaders in these international forums demonstrates that women are no longer merely supplementary in academia. Instead, they play a crucial role in strategic decision-making and developing higher education institutions to a global level. In modern academic environments, female leadership is seen as fostering more inclusive, collaborative, and adaptive approaches to change. Beyond managerial aspects, women actively contribute to curriculum development, research, community service, and technology-based educational innovation. According to Dr Anton, opportunities for women to advance in academia are increasingly open, including roles as lecturers, researchers, and higher education institution leaders. ‘Opportunities for women in academia are growing, including becoming lecturers and leaders. This must be continuously supported to create a more inclusive and high-quality educational environment,’ he said. Meanwhile, Dr Nita Merlina stressed that gender equality on campus is not just rhetoric but must be realised through equal opportunities in career development, leadership, and academic competencies. ‘Women have the same capabilities and potential to lead in higher education. What is needed is space, opportunities, and support for them to thrive and contribute their best to institutions and society,’ she said in a statement quoted on Thursday, 28 May 2026. She added that UNM continues to foster an academic ecosystem supporting the development of all academic community members regardless of gender. This is achieved through student development programmes such as the Career Centre, Entrepreneur Centre, and Startup Centre, open to all students to develop academic and professional potential. Through inclusive and collaborative leadership approaches, UNM is strengthening its commitment to creating an adaptive, innovative, and globally competitive higher education environment.