Heaptalk, Jakarta – SheHacks, a technology-based women empowerment initiative spearheaded by Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison (IOH), has successfully driven the advancement of women in developing their ideas and expanding their businesses, aiming to bridge the gender gap in the entrepreneurial sector.
Despite the rapid growth of startups in Indonesia, funding disparities still persist, particularly for women-led startups. According to the SheHacks Impact Report, only 14% of startups led by women have managed to secure venture capital funding. Additionally, data from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) reveals that around 70% of women-owned SMEs in Indonesia face a financing gap. Meanwhile, McKinsey reports that women hold just 11% of leadership positions in the tech sector. These challenges are not solely about limited access to capital, but also reflect a broader lack of trust in women’s capabilities as business founders.
In response to these challenges, SheHacks offers comprehensive support for women entrepreneurs through the Startup Lab, Ideation Lab, and Innovate Lab programs. The initiative has successfully engaged over 34,000 women across Indonesia.
The impact of SheHacks is obvious. Although the average score for participants’ ability to access funding remains moderate (2.88 out of 5), 25% of participants have managed to expand into five new regional markets, and nearly 80% of participating startups have successfully created new job opportunities.
Beyond providing training, SheHacks connects participants with mentors, investors, and international validation opportunities. In 2024, five selected startups were given the opportunity to embark on a Validation Trip to Sydney, Australia—a breakthrough initiative that opened doors for cross-border collaboration and access to global investors.
One of the success stories is shared by Vidya Rahma H., CEO & Co-Founder of DonASI. “Through SheHacks, we realized the powerful role of community-based innovation in addressing real-world needs among breastfeeding mothers. Our ASI Camp initiative reached over 190 mothers from 50 cities and 3 countries, increasing their understanding of the importance of breastfeeding from 55% to 89%. Most heartening of all, 100% of participants felt more motivated to provide exclusive breastfeeding. This journey proves that with the right ecosystem, a simple idea can grow into a movement that strengthens maternal and child health from the earliest stages,” said Vidya.
Strengthening this message, Irsyad Sahroni, Director & Chief Human Resources Officer of Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison, emphasized, “We believe that empowering women in technology is not only about narrowing the gap but also about accelerating Indonesia’s digital economic growth.”
Meanwhile, in a written statement delivered by Muhammad Neil El Himam, Deputy for Digital Creativity and Technology, Minister of Creative Economy Teuku Riefky Harsya highlighted that in its fifth year, SheHacks has become a beacon of hope for empowering Indonesian women. The program has reached 203 districts and cities, successfully fostering 100% women-led startups.
“This success demonstrates that collaboration between government, the private sector, and communities can create an inclusive and competitive creative economy ecosystem at the regional level,” Himam stated.
On the same occasion, Irsyad called for collective efforts to support the SheHacks program.
“We strongly believe in the power of collaboration. Indosat is uniquely positioned as a company that can—and wants to—unite all stakeholders to drive Indonesia’s progress. We hope this program will invite many more partners to join us,” Irsyad concluded.
