Semarang – The Department of Communication Science, within the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) at Universitas Diponegoro (Undip), held an International Visiting Lecturer session entitled “Media, Power, and Women’s Resilience in the Digital Age” on Thursday, October 2, 2025.

The event featured prominent speakers: Lailatul Fitriyah, Ph.D., an Assistant Professor of Interreligious Education from the Claremont School of Theology, USA, and Dr. Phil. Nuriyatul Lailiyah, M.I.Kom., a lecturer from Undip’s own Department of Communication Science.

The program was opened by the Dean of FISIP Undip, Dr. Drs. Teguh Yuwono, M.Pol.Admin., who emphasized the critical importance of academic internationalization.

“Media and power have a profound impact on today’s society. The presence of this international speaker broadens our perspectives on issues of media, gender, and culture across nations,” he stated.

Dr. Agus Naryoso, M.Si., the Head of the Communication Science Department, conveyed that this initiative aligns with the department’s ongoing efforts to strengthen research collaboration.

“This forum is not only for learning but also for building international collaborations that can enrich communication studies at Undip,” he affirmed.

Dr. Nurul Hasfi, M.A., Head of the Media Sociology Academic Expertise Cluster, shared her reflections on the barriers faced by female journalists in Asia. She emphasized that the struggle of women in media requires robust academic support and appreciated the book “Sekolahlah Tinggi-Tinggi” (Pursue Higher Education), co-authored by the two speakers.

In the academic session, Lailatul Fitriyah, Ph.D., presented on “Media, Power, and Resistance: A Sociological Perspective on Women’s Struggle.” She stressed that media serves as an arena where women’s identities, experiences, and struggles are negotiated. Lailatul demonstrated that digital media can bridge personal experiences with global discourse, creating transnational solidarity that strengthens the women’s movement.

Subsequently, Dr. Phil. Nuriyatul Lailiyah, M.I.Kom., discussed “Women and Digital Resilience: Internet for Social Change.” She highlighted how Indonesian women are leveraging digital media to strengthen advocacy networks, build community solidarity, and combat disinformation. Nuriyatul asserted that women must be seen as active agents who use the internet to drive more just and inclusive social change.

This event reinforces the position of Undip’s Department of Communication Science as a leading center for digital media studies with a critical perspective, while also showcasing its contribution to building a global academic network. (Muhammad Rif’at Al-Razi).***