Vincentius Alvin Yoga
Mar 06, 2026
The origin of International Women’s Day dates back more than 100 years ago. It began on March 8, 1908, when 15,000 women workers in New York, US, took to the streets demanding for higher wages, shorter working hours, and the right to vote. Two years later, on March 10, labor activists in Germany discussed the event. The discussion led to an agreement that March 8 should be commemorated simultaneously in every country as a day of international solidarity for women workers.
Based on these events, the United Nations began discussing the relevance of commemorating March 8 in 1975. Finally, in 1977, the United Nations officially designated March 8 as International Women’s Day for Women’s Rights and World Peace. Since then, March 8 has been observed in many countries by people from different backgrounds, races, and social classes as a shared day to highlight the issues faced by women.
In 1977, the United Nations officially designated March 8 as International Women’s Day for Women’s Rights and World Peace.
In Indonesia, we've recognized the commemoration of Indonesian Women’s Day since the 1950s. At that time, parades, demonstrations, and public meetings were common methods used to highlight various issues affecting women, ranging from polygamy and the right to education to the implementation of agrarian reform and demands for higher wages for workers.
Women worked so hard to bring these issues to the surface because, at that time, many believed that women’s roles belonged only in the kitchen and the bedroom. Later, with pro-investment policies, women were encouraged to work in factories, yet their feet remained tied to responsibilities at home.
Finally, in 1998, a group of women from various organizations united under Seruan Perempuan Indonesia (Seruni) used March 8 to call for an end to violence against women across different regions of Indonesia.
This fight continues today. The progress of women in the workplace has undoubtedly come a long way, yet many challenges remain, from equal pay, to achieving equity at home in terms of domestic work, and developing initiatives that ensure talented women can reach the highest levels at work.
To commemorate International Women’s Day this year, and to celebrate the ongoing struggles and achievements of women every single day, we spoke with a few strong and inspiring women in Bali about the changes they hope to see, especially in the workplace as the industry continues to evolve. These females are the leaders at the forefront of the hospitality industry, and each of them represent and embody the spirit of their hotels in Bali.
Here’s to the future of women in Indonesia: inspiring, empowering, and uplifting.
Dewi Anggraini
Senior Director of Marketing Communications at The Westin Resort Nusa Dua Bali & Bali International Convention Centre
In my opinion, one of the most important issues that deserves attention today is equal opportunity in the workplace. It is not only about positions or the number of women in leadership, but also about having the same access to grow, to be heard, and to be trusted to lead.
It is not only about positions or the number of women in leadership, but also about having the same access to grow, to be heard, and to be trusted to lead.
I also believe that women should no longer hesitate to speak up, especially at work. We should not feel small, nor feel that we must always step back. Women need to be confident in showing their competence, claiming their space, and believing in their own capabilities. The workplace needs women’s perspectives, especially our empathy, decisiveness, intuition, and resilience, which are our strengths, not weaknesses.
Another important thing is solidarity among women. We need to support one another, rather than compete with each other. When one woman moves forward, she should help open the path for the others. The future of women in the workplace will be far stronger if we grow together, not standing up alone.
Aulianty Fellina Rizal
Senior Director of Marketing Communications & PR at Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort
In the hospitality industry, many women are part of the workforce and even dominate several departments. But when we talk about strategic or decision-making positions at the top level, the numbers of women in that position are still not that much. In my view, the challenge today is no longer about capability, because women have proven themselves to be highly capable, but rather about having fair and genuine access to opportunities.
For me, equity means more than simply offering the same opportunities. It also means understanding the realities that women have to deal with every single day. In hospitality, long working hours, high mobility, and the expectation to always be “available” are hard challenges. Workplace systems and cultures need to be more supportive so that women can grow professionally without feeling they must choose between their careers and their personal lives.
The challenge today is no longer about capability, because women have proven themselves to be highly capable, but rather about having fair and genuine access to opportunities.
I also still see different perceptions toward women in senior positions. When women are assertive, they are sometimes perceived as too emotional. Yet the same qualities in men are often viewed as strong leadership. This bias may not always be conscious, but it still exists.
However, I remain optimistic. I see more and more women in hospitality leading in their own way—with empathy, with elegant decisiveness, and with the ability to build strong teams. To me, that is the future of female leadership, not by imitating traditional leadership styles, but by bringing a more inclusive and human-centered perspective.
Because ultimately, when women are given equal space and opportunity, it is not only individuals who grow, but also the organizations and the industries they are part of.
Dewi Karmawan
Director of Marketing Communications at Renaissance Bali Nusa Dua Resort
As a woman who works in the hospitality industry, I have personally experienced how the role of women in the workplace continues to evolve and gain greater recognition. While leadership positions were once often dominated by men, today we are seeing more and more women being entrusted with major responsibilities and strategic decision-making roles.
For me personally, working in an environment that supports equality brings a strong sense of confidence and motivation to keep growing. At Marriott International, I feel that opportunities to learn and develop are widely open to everyone, regardless of gender. The company not only provides space for growth, but also offers tangible support through various development programs.
For me, women in leadership positions are not only about equal rights, but also about the courage to step into important roles, the ability to lead with empathy, and the commitment to continue growing.
Beyond professional achievements, the presence of women in senior positions also carries a deep emotional impact. There is a unique sense of pride when our families see that our hard work and dedication are recognized. It serves as a reminder that the efforts and commitment we pursue are not only for ourselves, but can also become an inspiration for those closest to us, especially other women around us.
For me, women in leadership positions are not only about equal rights, but also about the courage to step into important roles, the ability to lead with empathy, and the commitment to continue growing. An inclusive workplace gives us the space to prove that leadership is not defined by gender, but by competence, integrity, and perseverance.
Desiree Merlina
Corporate Director Marketing Communications at Padma Hotels and Resorts
The position of women in the workplace, particularly in senior leadership, continues to advance in a strong and encouraging direction. Today, women are not only active participants across industries, but also key decision-makers shaping corporate strategy, culture, and long-term growth. Gender equality is increasingly viewed not as a social obligation, but as a strategic advantage.
Modern organizations recognize that diverse leadership teams perform better. Women contribute valuable perspectives, strong emotional intelligence, collaborative leadership styles, and resilience qualities that are especially relevant in service-driven and people-centered industries. As companies move toward more inclusive cultures, leadership opportunities for women are expanding based on merit, competence, and results.
While historical barriers such as bias and unequal representation have existed, the current trajectory is one of progress. More women are confidently stepping into executive roles and proving their capability to lead complex operations and large teams. The conversation is shifting from questioning whether women can lead to recognizing how effectively they do.
Forward-thinking companies now understand that supporting working mothers contributes directly to business sustainability.
An important part of workplace equality is the experience of women as working mothers. For many women, professional ambition exists alongside family responsibility. Rather than being a limitation, this dual role often strengthens leadership ability. Working mothers develop exceptional time management, prioritization, empathy, and adaptability. Balancing multiple responsibilities builds discipline and perspective, traits essential for senior leadership.
Forward-thinking companies now understand that supporting working mothers contributes directly to business sustainability. Flexible work arrangements, parental leave policies, and performance-driven evaluations allow women to grow professionally without sacrificing family life. That happens in Padma Hotels group, with three women currently serve as General Managers overseeing Padma Resort Legian, Padma Hotel Semarang, and Resinda Hotel Karawang.
When women occupy senior roles, it normalizes female authority and inspires the next generation of professionals. Teams benefit from leadership approaches that often emphasize collaboration, communication, and inclusive growth, qualities that strengthen workplace morale and guest experience alike.
Workplace equality is not about competition between men and women. It is about ensuring equal access to opportunity and removing structural barriers that limit potential. When systems are fair and supportive, organizations benefit from the full spectrum of talent available.
Irma Farida
Director of Marketing & Communications at Grand Hyatt Bali
If I were to choose one aspect of women in the workforce that deserves our deepest attention, both today and in the future, it would be the need to create workplaces that truly honor and nurture women as whole human beings. Spaces where women are not only allowed to work, but encouraged to grow, to lead, and to shine.
In the hospitality world, women often carry the heart of the guest experience. They bring empathy, intuition, resilience, and a unique strength that elevates both teams and guests. But that strength can only flourish when they are supported by an environment that believes in their dreams, understands their life journeys, and gives them the confidence to take up space in leadership.
I genuinely believe the future of work becomes more meaningful when women no longer have to choose between being a strong leader or an authentic human being. When companies offer flexibility, acknowledge the different seasons of a woman’s life, and open wider doors to leadership, we don’t just empower individuals, we set in motion a ripple effect of inspiration.
I genuinely believe the future of work becomes more meaningful when women no longer have to choose between being a strong leader or an authentic human being.
At Grand Hyatt Bali, it is something we practice. One example is our Women’s Day celebration, where all female colleagues come together to participate in activities focused on women’s wellbeing. What makes it special is that the entire committee behind the event is made up of women. And this committee is not formed only for Women’s Day; it continues throughout the year. It is a space where women support women, and where their ideas directly shape our culture and community impact.
Through experiences like these, I’ve seen firsthand how women in leadership bring warmth, empathy, and a human‑centered approach that elevates not only the team but the entire guest experience. And I’ve learned that when you give one woman a chance, she often creates pathways for many others after her.
The change we need is not simply about fairness, it is about courage. The courage to recognize women’s true potential: strong, intuitive, visionary, and fully capable of transforming the direction of an organization. When women are given space to rise, the entire workplace rises with them.
Shanty Pravita
Cluster Director of Marketing Communications at Andaz Sanur & Hyatt Regency Bali
In my honest opinion, one of the most important things right now is creating a workplace that is truly welcoming for women, not just in terms of policies, but also in the overall workplace culture.
Women often juggle multiple roles, from being a hardworking one at work, to being an empathetic women within her community (especially for Balinese women), to being an inspiring mother at home. That’s why flexibility and understanding from companies are so important. It doesn’t mean women need to receive special treatment, but rather being given space to grow without having to feel guilty or overwhelmed.
I also believe that women in leadership positions should start to be seen as something natural, not as an exception or something considered “extraordinary.”
I also believe that women in leadership positions should start to be seen as something natural, not as an exception or something considered “extraordinary.” If male leaders are seen as normal, why shouldn’t female leaders be? After all, capability doesn’t recognize gender.
In the hospitality industry in particular, where the pace is fast and the working hours are long, small forms of support such as more flexible schedules, lactation rooms for mothers, or simply a culture that listens to women’s voices can make a significant difference.
For me, the future for women in the workplace is about ensuring that the path forward is safe and supportive, so we, women, can continue to grow and reach even greater potential.
