Lelaki Turut Serta – Coffee Chat #4

IBCWE’s Lelaki Turut Serta program, in collaboration with Citi Indonesia, hosted a thought-provoking Coffee Chat session on “Relationships in the Workplace Setting” on Monday (9/9) at the Citi Indonesia office. In this session that was led and joined by only male leaders, we explored the challenges and best practices for male leaders in creating inclusive and equal work environments. 

One of the key discussions was around gender initiatives. Pak Kuswahyu Adhi (Wahyu) representative from Amartha, a leading social enterprise, shared their successful experiences in implementing gender-inclusive policies and programs. He emphasized the importance of creating a supportive environment for all employees, regardless of their gender. 

Building trust and understanding individual needs were also highlighted as crucial for effective career guidance. Male leaders can play a significant role in fostering a culture where employees feel comfortable sharing their career aspirations and personal goals. By understanding these individual needs, leaders can provide tailored support and mentorship. 

The session also delved into the gender dynamics that often impact the workplace. Mr. Nur Iman Subono (Boni) from FISIP and Sekoloah Kajian Stratejik dan Global Universitas Indonesia and Aliansi Laki-laki Baru explained concepts like the glass ceiling, glass cliff, glass escalator, and double bind. These terms shed light on the challenges faced by women in the workplace, such as barriers to advancement, increased pressure in leadership roles, and conflicting expectations. 

A notable discussion was brought up by Mr. Harlan. He shared the appointment of Jane Fraser as the first female CEO of Citigroup in 2020 as breaking the glass ceiling. This groundbreaking achievement highlighted the importance of diversity in leadership and the potential for women to reach the highest levels of corporate success. 

By understanding these dynamics, male leaders can be more aware of potential biases and actively work to create a more equitable environment. 

Join the conversation: Share your experiences and insights on gender equality in the workplace. Let’s work together to create more inclusive and equal work environments.