Empowering Rural Women: A Key to a More Inclusive Indonesia
A recent study highlights the critical role of women in driving inclusive human development in Indonesia, particularly in rural areas. The Ministry of Coordinating Human Development and Culture, emphasizing the importance of cross-sector collaboration, conducted a comprehensive study to understand the impact of empowering women in villages.
Strengthening Communities from the Ground Up
The study, which took place in eight regencies and eleven villages across Indonesia, revealed the significant role women play as drivers of progress within their communities. Assistant Deputy for Regional Empowerment and Spatial Mobility, Monalisa Herawati Rumayar, stated, “The empowerment of women as part of village development is crucial to building an inclusive Indonesian society.”
The research team employed a qualitative approach, collecting data from November 17 to 24, 2024, across a diverse range of villages. This selection included Bangka Tengah, Tanggamus, Indramayu, Bantul, Banyuwangi, Banjar, Maros, and Minahasa Utara. These locations were chosen based on factors such as the presence of targeted intervention programs, inclusive village components, and a history of both government and non-government program interventions aimed at empowering women.
The data collection process involved a wide array of societal stakeholders, including regional government organizations, village governments, women’s groups, farmer groups, religious leaders, community leaders, beneficiaries of existing empowerment programs, women who had not yet benefited from such initiatives, and representatives from CSOs/NGOs and the private sector.
Addressing Financial Independence and Skills Development
Preliminary findings from the study indicate that current women’s empowerment programs implemented by both district and village governments primarily focus on three key areas: economic improvement, skills training, and business management. Theaporach tends to be top-down, originating from central and district governments. However, the study also noted encouraging examples of local initiatives springing from village governments’ own budgeting processes. One notable example is the implementation of women’s business group training programs designed and led by village officials.
These programs primarily target vulnerable groups within the community, including female heads of households, micro, small, and medium-sized enterprise (MSME) actors, survivors of domestic violence, former migrant workers, and families facing various economic hardships. The study also identified cross-sector collaboration involving district governments, village governments, and CSOs as a positive element across many successful program implementations.
Towards More Participatory Development Strategies
The study’s ultimate goal is two-fold: to document best practices and successful strategies already being employed and to explore innovative empowerment concepts that can serve as guidelines for more participatory development plans at the village level. “From this study, we hope to solve specific issues and find solutions together with experts, providing better policy recommendations,” Monalisa added.
Ultimately, the Ministry of Coordinating Human Development and Culture aims to ensure that human development in Indonesia is not only inclusive but also sustainable. Recognizing the resilience and potential of rural women, the ministry believes they hold the key to achieving Indonesia’s aspirations of a more advanced, equitable, and just nation.
What are the key challenges facing policymakers and organizations seeking to further empower rural women in Indonesia?
## Empowering Rural Women: A Key to Inclusive Development in Indonesia
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today we’re discussing a critical issue facing Indonesia: empowering rural women. Joining me is Monalisa Herawati Rumayar, Assistant Deputy for Regional Empowerment and Spatial Mobility at the Ministry of Coordinating Human Development and Culture. Welcome, Monalisa.
**Monalisa Herawati Rumayar:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** You recently led a study examining the role of women in driving inclusive development in rural Indonesia. Can you tell us more about the study and its findings?
**Monalisa:** Absolutely. This study was conducted across eight regencies and eleven villages in Indonesia, chosen for their diverse social and economic landscapes. We focused on understanding the impact of existing women’s empowerment programs and identifying areas for improvement. Our findings strongly indicate that women play a crucial role in strengthening their communities. [[1](https://www.adb.org/results/indonesia-empowering-rural-women-through-community-development-2010)]They are key drivers of progress, contributing significantly to economic development and social inclusion.
**Host:** That’s fascinating. Can you elaborate on some specific examples of how these women are making a difference?
**Monalisa:** We saw women actively engaged in various sectors – from agriculture and entrepreneurship to leadership and community governance. They were starting businesses, accessing financial resources, and taking on leadership positions within their villages. This not only empowers individual women but strengthens the entire community.
**Host:** The study highlights the importance of cross-sector collaboration in supporting women’s empowerment. What does this look like in practice?
**Monalisa:** It means bringing together government agencies, NGOs, the private sector, and local communities to create a holistic and sustainable approach. This could involve providing financial literacy training, access to microloans, skills development programs, and infrastructure improvements that are tailored to the specific needs of rural women.
**Host:** What are some of the key challenges that need to be addressed to further empower rural women in Indonesia?
**Monalisa:** We need to overcome persistent gender stereotypes and discriminatory social norms.
Ensuring access to quality education, healthcare, and financial services for women is crucial. We also need to create more enabling environments where women can participate fully and equally in decision-making processes at all levels.
**Host:** Thank you, Monalisa, for sharing your insights. Empowering women is not just a matter of gender equality; it’s about unlocking the full potential of Indonesia.
**Monalisa:** Indeed, investing in rural women’s empowerment is an investment in a more inclusive and prosperous Indonesia.
