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Among traditional fishing families in coastal village areas in Indonesia, women play a strategic role in improving the business they are engaged in and their families' welfare. This study aimed to examine the role and involvement of women in the empowerment and improvement of the welfare of poor, traditional fishing families in coastal areas. This study employed a quantitative research method with a descriptive research type. In addition to collecting data from the results of a survey of 500 respondents, this study also collected qualitative data from the results of in-depth interviews with 25 informants. Women in traditional fishing families play a significant role in supporting the family's financial stability by doing side jobs within or outside the fisheries sector. They have become more empowered, seeking various types of work to support the family's economy. Unfortunately, they do not have long-term goals for the work in which they are involved. Most women in traditional fishing families face obstacles such as capital acquisition, marketing issues, and a strong patriarchal culture that has hampered their work opportunities and developing businesses. Keywords: Fisherwomen, Traditional fishing, Coastal communities, Family welfare, Indonesia, Women's economic empowerment, Introduction Among traditional fishing families in coastal village areas of Indonesia, women play a strategic role in increasing the welfare of the business they are engaged in, even though the [...]

The rapid advancement of information and communication technology affects many aspects of women's lives. One aspect is social media which provides freedom of expression. However, women are vulnerable to becoming victims of online crime. This study sought to reveal the forms of gender-based cyber violence experienced by Indonesian women, its impact on victims, and strategies for protecting victims of gender-based cyber violence (GBCV). This study employed qualitative research methods. Informants in this study were 98 women students who experienced gender-based cyber violence. This study found various forms of GBCV experienced by victims, including being sent pornographic videos or links, invited to chat or video chat sex, invited to engage in online prostitution (Open Booking Online), forced to engage in pornographic content, asked to post a picture of the body, and threatened that a personal video will be shared to the public. Gender-based cyber violence is often accompanied by violence that victims directly experience in the real world, since most of the perpetrators are ex-boyfriends or current boyfriends. This study found that, in addition to experiencing GBCV, victims also experienced physical and/or verbal sexual violence or harassment including whistling, groping, teasing, non-consensual caressing or hugging, rape and forced sex, hearing comments about their appearance, being sent photos of sexual body parts via social media, being told jokes with sexual overtones, engaging in video chat sex, being abused while sleeping, threatened with death, cursed at, videotaped having sex, and forced to drink alcohol. Gender-based cyber violence has a negative impact with varying degrees of severity. For this reason, efforts involving various parties are needed to eliminate GBCV and all forms of gender-based violence. The handling and prevention efforts carried out by various state institutions in Indonesia also need to be supported by other parties, for example, NGOs, schools, communities, and families. The study concludes by discussing various models of protection strategies for victims of GBCV. Keywords: Gender-based cyber violence, Violence against women, Protection of victims of violence, Gender equality, Introduction The rapid advancement of information and communication technology affects many aspects of women's lives. One aspect is social media which allows women to express themselves freely. However, women are [...]

This study explains a Javanese cultural practice called ngenger--when girls volunteer to be domestic servants in exchange for educational benefits--as a form of exploitation of labor. The purpose of this study is to understand this Javanese tradition from the perspective of Gender Anthropology. This research is a descriptive study using a qualitative method. The location of the study was in Surabaya and the city of Malang, East Java, and was conducted by collecting data in the form of observations and in-depth interviews. The informants for this study were girls who are domestic workers, parents of the child domestic workers, and the recipient parents of these child domestic workers. This study shows that ngenger girls employed as domestic workers are exploited since they lose almost all of their rights. The ways in which ngenger girls are exploited include having low wages, lacking bargaining power, being forced to be obedient, lacking the courage to claim their rights, not daring to complain to anyone, and continuing to serve the recipients. The condition where the ngenger girls do not have bargaining position over the recipients of their labor is precisely what makes this practice a form of exploitation. The relationship between girls and the recipient families is a patron-client relationship. The patron-client relation should be a reciprocal relationship that is mutually beneficial. A recipient patron of a ngenger girl has the responsibility to fulfill the needs of the girl as a client, and, in return, the client must give her loyalty to her patron. Patron-client relations are economic relations where profits must be achieved, which makes exploitation possible. In fact, ngenger girls do not get the fulfillment of basic needs, protection, and good education, but they still continue to be loyal to the recipient parents. This circumstance is what makes the relationship in ngenger culture an unfair and exploitative relationship. Keywords: Ngenger, Girl child domestic workers (GCDWs), Patron-client relationship, Labor exploitation, Indonesia, Introduction In Java, Indonesia, prospective girl child domestic workers (GCDWs) GCDWs are known as ngenger (Prawiroatmodjo, 1996; Sulistyo, 2006), nyuwita (Murtono, 1985), budak, abdi, rewang or emban, batur, and babu [...]

The plastic woven bag has become a symbolic representation of Indonesian women's identity since the trend increased in 2021. The plastic woven bag represents femininity and the image of women as a result of socio-cultural construction. The activity of weaving paradoxically puts women in both a central and a marginal role. The weaving industry is characterized by an increasing number of platforms for women to generate income and improve their economic welfare. Nevertheless, women are still faced with patriarchal domination, because the demands of their domestic role limit their ability to move freely in public space. Therefore, their status as homeworkers has subordinated women to the status of marginal breadwinners in the economic system. This research aims to reveal the marginalization of women in plastic woven bag SMEs (small and medium enterprises). This research also aims to analyze the environmental risks that are faced by women, families, and society due to the use of synthetic chemicals in the production of woven plastic bags. This research used the perspective of eco-feminism, Bourdieu's (1977) concept of habitus, and Ulrich Beck's concept of a risk society (2012) as analytical tools. This research used qualitative research methods, and it was conducted at SMEs (small and medium enterprises) that produce plastic woven bags in Sambirejo Village, Madiun Regency, East Java, Indonesia. The subjects in this research were women who run SMEs. This research found that the marginalization experienced by plastic woven bag craftswomen was divided into two domains--the public (Woven House) and the domestic (household). Women still perceive the practice of marginalization as normal because of their pessimistic attitude and the Javanese philosophy of 'nerimo ing pandum (accepting one's lot in life as a gift of God). This study also concludes that environmental risks include the absence of waste management and the emergence of respiratory diseases suffered by some craftswomen. Therefore, it is necessary to have government policies and environmentalists' input to overcome the health problems experienced by craftswomen of these plastic woven bags. Keywords: Marginalization of women, Homeworkers, Environmental risks, Plastic woven bags, SMEs, Indonesian women workers, Introduction Community participation in the SMEs (small and medium enterprises) sector and the role of SMEs in national economic growth is increasing (Eriza & Saragih, 2019; Halim, 2020; Huda & [...]

This special issue of the Journal of International Women's Studies gathers its articles from presentations delivered at the 2022 8th International Conference on Contemporary Social and Political Affairs on Society [...]

This study describes the vulnerability of poor women when confronted with the shock of a social disaster in the form of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite increasing vulnerabilities, poor women managed the uncertain situation by utilizing their survival skills. This study was conducted in the middle of 2020 in 22 districts of East Java Province with 457 married women from low-income families serving as respondents. Data were descriptively analyzed and presented in the form of diagrams and narratives. According to the findings of this study, women's vulnerability in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic is caused by a decrease in family income and an imbalance in the domestic roles of men and women at home. Using resilience theory, this study explores how women's adaptability can help them survive in an uncertain situation. However, it was inappropriate for the government to leave these women in a subsistence economic situation; the government did not adequately support poor women through targeted and equitable social assistance programs. Following this social disaster, the role of well-targeted social assistance needs to be addressed to promote gender equality and contribute to the 2030 goals of the MDGs, which include poverty alleviation and the eradication of inequality. Keywords: Vulnerability, Poor women, Poverty, Resilience, Adaptation, Social disaster, COVID-19, Indonesia, Introduction Several studies conducted before the COVID-19 pandemic era revealed that women were quite capable of carrying out their roles in both the domestic and public sectors (Kusumawati, 2012; Ismanto [...]

Domestic violence is a serious social problem, and the number of domestic violence cases are increasing each year in Indonesia. This study aims to explore marital discord and types and triggers of domestic violence experienced by career women who worked from home during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2021). In this qualitative research, the researchers interviewed professional working women who experienced domestic violence perpetrated by their husbands in East Java. This study shows that marital discord escalated into domestic violence due to complications experienced when they were staying at home because of the lockdown. Daily engagement between husbands and wives had an impact on the rise in frequency and intensity of violence. Economic problems caused by the COVID-19 pandemic worsened the occurrence of violence. In a family with an unemployed husband, the nature and forms of violence varied, including physical, economic, verbal, and psychological violence, all of which add to women's suffering. Therefore, social support mechanisms from families and communities as well as policy strategies are necessary to address domestic violence. Keywords: Career women, Domestic violence, COVID-19, Marital discord, Family, Indonesia, Introduction Domestic violence is a serious problem continuing in the 21st century. In Indonesia, the number of domestic violence cases is increasing each year. The data from the National Commission [...]

This study demonstrates the central role of women in preserving local cultural handicrafts as a home-based industry and the role of government bodies and stake holders in preserving these cultural handicrafts. The study focuses on five villages located in four regencies on the island of Java. Data collection was obtained through interviews and questionnaires. Over the course of one month data was collected from 258 craftswomen and managers as respondents. The results show the importance of the roles occupied by women within local handicraft industries. These women are often viewed as subordinate to their male counterparts, yet these women are expected to shoulder multiple burdens and roles, both work-related and domestic. The conclusions of this study indicate that both central and local Governments are not providing adequate support to meet the needs of these women. Keywords: Gender, Handicrafts, Home-based Industry, Craftswomen, Female Empowerment, Introduction The tradition of local home-based handicrafts in Indonesia is centuries old. The production process is passed down from generation to generation of women, starting from girlhood. Previous studies indicate [...]

This study analyzes the survival strategies of Indonesian women from low-income families with different social and geographical backgrounds. The participants of this study are married women with children from poor families who live in the provinces of East Java and West Sumatra, Indonesia. This research uses the survey method; researchers received questionnaire responses from 857 respondents (457 respondents in East Java, and 400 respondents in West Sumatra). The results of this study indicate that the survival strategy of low-income families during the COVID-19 pandemic is based on the strength of their existing social capital, especially with the support of their families and neighbors. Heavy reliance on their internal social capital creates heightened vulnerability; this study reveals that not all low-income families receive assistance or benefits from the central or local governments. External assistance is pivotal to amplify their existing social capital and to enhance their resilience. This study also suggests that the government's policies designed to support low-income families need to emphasize women's agency and empowerment. Keywords: COVID-19, Family, Indonesia, Low-Income Families, Survival Strategy, Women, Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic that has hit almost every country in the world has caused millions of infections and deaths. Since March 2020, COVID-19 cases in Indonesia have been on [...]

This study aims to determine the exploitation potential in internship practices experienced by female vocational students due to the weak bargaining position of students and the imbalance in the relationship between the school and the company. Theoretically, the phenomenon of exploitation experienced by female students who intern in the industrial sector can be associated with tactical capitalism that is intertwined with the education sector. This study was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, where internship opportunities in the industrial sector for vocational students were still limited. However, this study can still show the potential for exploitation of female students even though the opportunity to take part in internships in the industrial sector is still not wide open for them. This research used mixed methods, where data is collected using quantitative methods through survey research, followed by in-depth qualitative methods. The research was conducted in four regencies in East Java, including Tuban, Mojokerto, Sidoarjo, and Ngawi. The sample consisted of 271 female students studying in vocational high schools and participating in internships in the business sectors. The results indicate that: (1) female vocational high school students feel threatened because they are forced to work in places that do not match their vocational skills; (2) the working hours during the internship are not consistent with the agreement between the school and the company because they tend to exceed the regular limit on working hours; (3) during the internships, they are often asked to work in the same company, but in a workplace that is not in line with what has been determined at the time of the employment agreement with the school; (4) during the internships, they are asked to work as employees of the company with the same working hours as permanent employees, but they do not receive a salary, and this can be considered as a form of economic exploitation which can also be one of the triggering factors for mental health disturbances for female students participating in internships. Keywords: Female Students, Vocational High School, Internship, Exploitation, Introduction Vocational High School (Sekolah Menengah Kejuruan/SMK) is one of the educational institutions in high demand by the public since it may provide greater opportunities for graduates to get jobs. [...]

Wife beating, a form of intimate partner violence that is used as a tool to correct wives' behavior, is not acceptable in most parts of the world. Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a global health problem and is far more than a dilemma; it is a systemic form of abuse that is the third major cause of death around the world. Despite it being unacceptable in most parts of the world, in its different forms, wife beating is still a commonly practiced pattern of behavior that pervades all societies, patriarchal ones in particular. This is a problem in the patriarchal Pakistani society. The present study aims to investigate the acceptance and justification of violence (wife beating) among women. The present research uses secondary data from the Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey (PDHS) conducted by the National Institute of Population Studies (NIPS) in 2012-13. The results show that attitudes towards wife beating, either justified or unjustified, vary with differing socio-demographic factors, such as age, region, area of residence, education, and wealth index. Education and wealth index variables show a highly significant relationship in determining justification of wife beating. More than half of the respondents did not justify wife beating in any given circumstance. The study divulges a significant relationship between socio-demographic factors and the justification of wife beating in different circumstances. These justifiable circumstances include: beating if a wife goes to the market or any other place without her husband's permission; if she ignores her children; if she confronts or tries to reason with him; if she declines to have sex; and if she burns food. Attitudes regarding whether certain circumstances are justifiable or not varies with socio-demographic factors such as age, region, area of residence, education, and wealth index. More than half of the respondents do not justify wife beating under any given circumstances. The most widely accepted reason for wife beating in Pakistan is arguing with one's husband, while the most unacceptable reason for wife beating is burning food. Keywords: Women, IPV, PDH survey, Wife violence, Justifiable beating., Introduction Gender-based violence brings significant, burdensome outcomes, in terms of violating basic human rights, in the fields of health culture and socio-economic life. Wife beating as intimate partner violence is [...]

One of the educational development problems is the gap in the quality of education between regions and community groups, as well as gender. This article has examined gender, religion, patriarchy and the educational discrimination faced by coastal women who are a part of the Madura culture in East Java. This study employed a qualitative approach by interviewing 70 informants who consisted of school dropouts, the parents of daughters who had dropped out, teachers, and community leaders. This study found there to be several key findings. In the Madura culture, the concept of gender for women is always associated with the domestic roles. Madurese women experience cultural and structural pressure regarding gender equality, especially for the women coming from poor families. The patriarchal culture is perpetuated through religious dogma and it has become a way of life and a code of conduct. The phenomenon of gender inequality faced by women in Indonesian society, such as in the coastal regions of East Java, cannot be separated from the existence of a patriarchal culture which is a way of life and a code of conduct. Coastal women do not only experience cultural pressure due to the patriarchal culture but they also experience structural pressure. This is because most of them come from poor families. Gender equality is difficult to achieve, particularly for Madurese women living on the coast due to their low socioeconomic status. The relevant empowerment model in the coastal communities related to gender inequality in education. This could start by reconstructing the thoughts of the coastal communities about gender through the existing socio-religious institutions, both formal and informal. In addition, there must be an economic empowerment of the coastal families. This is so then the daughters no longer become victims who must bear the economic burden of the family by dropping out of school or entering into early marriage. Keywords: Gender, Religion, Patriarchy, Women, Education, East Java, Indonesia, Introduction Equality between men and women, known as gender equality, is still able to produce an interesting study. Through a long journey to convince the world that women have experienced [...]

In Indonesia, marriage contracts are still common. In addition to culture, women's reproductive rights are also strongly associated with poverty. The poverty factor is very influential in relation to quality of life and women's reproductive health. This article investigates the reproductive health rights of women under a marriage contract. Employing the descriptive qualitative method, the research was conducted in Pasuruan, East Java and Bogor, West Java, Indonesia. The selection of the research contexts was done purposively. This study shows that a marriage contract does not always imply the occurrence of sexual intercourse. Sexual intercourse in a marriage contract may happen or be done by the couples involved if it becomes part of the terms agreed. Couples who engage in a marriage contract may not establish a sexual relationship if it is not part of the deal. The condition of women in a marriage contract who are generally poor and less educated impacts on their low level of awareness of the importance of reproductive health. Knowledge about reproductive health is often not a priority because they are more focused on working for the sake of survival. They are generally not able to access health care because they do not have the money to do so. In addition, poor women who live in remote villages also have problems accessing the health centres. This study indicates that the marriage contract in Indonesia is temporary or only for a certain agreed duration. This has a negative effect on the reproductive health of women. Pregnancy, birth and the presence of children born into a marriage contract are part of the agreement. Women do not fully have control over their reproductive rights in a marriage contract. Poverty and a lack of education of the women in such a marriage of course impacts on their low level of awareness of the importance of understanding their reproductive consciousness. Thus, in the marriage contract, the reproductive rights of women are not controlled by the women themselves. Rather, they need to be considered by the male partner. Reproductive health is not a priority because they are more focused on working for the sake of survival. Keywords: marriage contract, reproductive health, poverty, women, Introduction In Indonesia, marriage contracts are still common, especially in the Rembang sub-district, Pasuruan regency and Cisarua sub-district of Bogor regency. Contractual marriage is a trademark of the phenomenon of [...]

The rise of globalization and the changing trends in the family structure have introduced a new form of the Atomistic family. An atomistic family is a type of family, in which after the marriage, husband and wife (couple) are not living together. This study revealed how interactions are being performed in atomistic families and how the efforts made by working husband or wife in atomistic families in maintaining marriage life. This study deployed qualitative methods through interviews with fifty-seven families/ couples (57) who did not live together in East Java, Indonesia. This study found that husbands or wives who work in the public sector are often living separately from their spouses because of the work demands. In many cases, this problem was experienced by couples who have children, in which family members live far apart. Many children are accompanied by grandparents because both father and mother work outside of the city. However, there are various ways to maintain household continuity in an atomistic family. The results found that, husband and wife must trust their partners, the interaction between family members must be conducted through face-to-face meetings, communication via telephone, and social networking websites. Although the frequency of face-to-face meetings is quite difficult due to their work routine, sometimes they have interaction once a week or once a month and even once in six months. This study concludes that atomistic families have a latent function in coping with conflicts and may strengthen the relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]