THE ROLE OF WOMEN IN FOSTERING FAMILY ECONOMY IN RURAL SUMATRA INDONESIA: A CASE STUDY
Subject Areas : Economics
Romi Setiawan
1
(
Fatmawati Sukarno State Islamic University, Bengkulu, Indonesia
)
Keywords: Economic, women, Indonesia, Rural Sumatra, Prosperity,
Abstract :
Despite the prevalent portrayal of women as primarily responsible for household affairs, it is crucial to acknowledge that women have the potential to become strategic actors in improving the economic prosperity of their families. The purpose of this study is to examine the significant contributions and pivotal role played by women in advancing the economic well-being of families through working in the oil palm industry in rural Sumatra, Indonesia. By focusing on the unique context of Sumatra, the research sheds light on the specific challenges faced by women and highlights their efforts to improve the family economy by working in the oil palm sector. This research uses a qualitative descriptive approach, the data obtained by conducting direct observations and interviews with women in various rural communities. Additionally, husbands were also interviewed, and questionnaires were distributed to community leaders to gain a comprehensive understanding of the dynamic at play. The findings of this study emphasise the empowering effects of women’s employment on their economic status, decision-making power, and overall well-being, while also discussing the potential implications for gender dynamics within the household and the broader community. This study also calls government policy interventions and support mechanisms to further enhance empowerment of women’s group at rural communities in accelerating a sustainable development.