Prof. Dr. Dra. Ani Widyani, M.A., together with Prof. Dra. F. Fentiny, M.A., Ph.D. and Prof. Dr. Drs. Ricardi S. Adnan, M.Si., was inaugurated as Permanent Professors of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) of Universitas Indonesia (UI), on Saturday (21/12), at the Makara Art Center (MAC) UI Depok Campus. In the inauguration led directly by the Rector of UI, Prof. Dr. Ir. Heri Hermansyah, S.T., M.Eng., IPU, Prof. Ani was appointed as the 47th professor inaugurated this year out of a total of 469 UI professors.
Prof. Ani is a Professor in the Field of Gender and Human Rights in International Relations. In her speech titled “Human Rights, Gender and Global Politics: An Intersectional Perspective”, she highlighted the importance of intersectionality as a new framework in studying the science of International Relations (IR). According to her, IR does not only discuss visible empirical factors, but also ideational factors concerning norms, values, and invisible values.
“The common thread of the discussion of human rights studies, gender in international relations, international politics, global politics, and world politics is essentially based on the discussion of non-state actors and how the relationship between actors and the global political process works. What kind of global political structure shapes and is shaped by the relationship between actors and the process,” said Prof. Ani.
She also said that studying human rights and gender in IR is studying humans and humanity which are not widely discussed in classical IR textbooks studied by students, and are not even referred to by major figures in this scientific discipline and are considered marginal issues. Therefore, intersectional analysis is important to understand the dynamics of global power that affect individuals and certain groups differently.
The term “intersectionality” was first introduced by Kimberlé Crenshaw in 1989. This concept recognizes that a person’s life is shaped by their identity, relationships, and social factors. The combination of these elements creates intersecting forms of privilege and oppression, depending on the context and existing power structures, such as patriarchy, ableism, colonialism, imperialism, and racism. Intersectionality does not simply add up social identities—for example, ethnicity and gender—but asserts that two or more factors shape each other.
An intersectional approach asserts that discrimination based on social identities cannot be viewed in isolation. Gender-based discrimination, for example, does not always occur in a vacuum, but can be reinforced by other identities, such as race or socioeconomic status. The discrimination experienced by black women from poor social groups may be different from the discrimination experienced by white women from higher social classes. Therefore, an intersectional approach is needed to ensure that those who are most disadvantaged are reached first.
In the context of IR, the intersectional approach needs to be developed as a new framework because it can capture the interaction of multiple identities and global power dynamics. This approach is not only relevant for academic analysis, but also has practical implications for international policy. By adopting an intersectional perspective, policymakers can design more inclusive and equitable policies that take into account the needs and experiences of individuals and groups often overlooked in dominant discourses.
“The development of intersectional IR not only broadens the scope of our analysis but also challenges the power structures that underlie the international system. By acknowledging the diversity of human experiences and how they are shaped by various factors, this approach can help create a more just and equitable world. The intersectional perspective is not just an addition to IR studies, but an important step towards transforming the way we understand and organize international relations,” said Prof. Ani.
Prof. Ani’s research on intersectionality in IR studies demonstrates her expertise in the field. Previously, she also conducted research, including The Chinese Diaspora and Its Identity in Southeast Asia: Research Notes From the Perspective of International Politics (2024); Pengelolaan Sumber Daya Alam dan Hak-Hak Perempuan Papua dalam Perspektif Ekofeminisme (Natural Resource Management and Papuan Women’s Rights in Ecofeminism Perspective, 2024); and Kebijakan Luar Negeri Feminis (FFP) dalam Kegiatan Diplomasi Indonesia (Feminist Foreign Policy (FFP) in Indonesian Diplomacy Activities, 2023) which received a Grant from The Asia Foundation.
Before being inaugurated as a professor, Prof. Ani completed her Bachelor’s degree in Political Science at UI in 1985; her Master’s degree in International Studies at the University of Washington, Seattle, Washington in 1989; and her Doctorate in International Relations, at Universitas Padjadjaran in 2017. During the period 1996–1999, she served as Head of the Department of International Relations, FISIP UI, and in 2018, she received the Satyalancana Karya Satya XXX Year Honorary Medal.
The inauguration ceremony of Prof. Ani’s professorship was also attended by guests, including the Indonesian Ambassador to Norway for the 2018–2023 period, Prof. Dr. Todung Mulya Lubis, S.H., LL.M.; Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs for the period 2001–2004 period, Prof. Dorodjatun Kuntjoro Jakti; Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection for the 2004–2009 period, Prof. Dr. Meutia Hatta Swasono; and Professor of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, Prof. Dr. Siti Musda Mulia.
