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Building business, enriching lives : empowering women in fishing communities of Tegal and Wonogiri, Central Java, Indonesia.
by Setyawati Fitrianggraeni
Introduction
The fishing communities of Tegal and Wonogiri in Central Java, Indonesia, epitomize the intricate socio-economic fabric that characterizes rural coastal and inland regions of the country. While these communities significantly contribute to Indonesia’s fishing industry, women within these societies often grapple with profound gender disparities, encompassing economic marginalization and limited access to education. This article delves into the challenges faced by these women, underscores the urgency of empowering them through cooperatives, and explores the broader implications for community welfare and gender equality.
Indonesia stands as the world’s second-largest producer of fish, with the fishing industry playing a pivotal role in its economy.1 Central Java, boasting an extensive coastline and inland water bodies, is a critical hub for both marine and freshwater fisheries. Tegal, located on the northern coast, is renowned for its marine fisheries, whereas Wonogiri, situated inland, is known for its reservoir fishing activities.2
The industry not only provides livelihoods for a significant portion of the population but also contributes to food security and export revenues. However, despite its economic importance, the sector faces challenges such as overfishing, environmental degradation, and socio-economic disparities that disproportionately affect women.
Gender Roles and Economic Challenges
In these fishing communities, traditional gender roles are deeply entrenched. Men are typically involved in fishing activities, while women engage in post-harvest processes like sorting, processing, and selling fish.3 Despite their crucial role in the value chain, women often receive lower incomes and have limited decision-making power within both the household and the community.4
Economic marginalization is exacerbated by limited access to financial resources, education, and training opportunities. Women often lack ownership of assets and are excluded from formal financial systems, making it challenging to invest in their businesses or improve their livelihoods.5 Educational disparities further limit their ability to seek alternative employment or advocate for their rights.
Addressing gender disparities is not only a matter of social justice but also a catalyst for economic development. Empowering women can lead to improved household incomes, better nutrition, and enhanced educational outcomes for children.6 It can also foster community resilience by diversifying income sources and promoting sustainable fishing practices.
This study is crucial for shedding light on the systemic inequalities faced by women in Tegal and Wonogiri’s fishing communities. By understanding the specific challenges and barriers, stakeholders—including government agencies, NGOs, and the private sector—can develop targeted interventions to empower women. Moreover, promoting gender equality aligns with Indonesia’s commitments under international frameworks like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5 on gender equality and SDG 14 on life below water.7
Indonesia has made strides in promoting gender equality through legislation and policy initiatives. The Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia guarantees equality before the law for all citizens.8 Additionally, Law No. 7 of 1984 ratified the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), committing Indonesia to uphold women’s rights across various sectors.9
The plight of women in Indonesian fishing communities is a microcosm of broader gender disparities prevalent in rural economies. Addressing these challenges through empowerment initiatives like cooperatives is not only urgent but essential for sustainable development. Stakeholders must collaborate to dismantle barriers, implement supportive policies, and foster environments where women can thrive economically and socially.
This article is based on insights and information extracted from a presentation delivered at the “Third WMU International Women’s Conference on Empowering Women in the Maritime Community,” which took place on April 4-5, 2019, in Malmö, Sweden. The event was organized by the World Maritime University (WMU) and aimed to foster discussions and actions toward empowering women within the maritime sector.
For further details and to explore more resources related to this topic, please visit the official conference page: WMU Maritime Women’s Conference 2019.
References
- Food and Agriculture Organization, “The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture,” 2020.
- Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries of the Republic of Indonesia, “Annual Fisheries Statistics,” 2022.
- FAO, general publications on the role of women in fisheries
- Dewi, S., discussions on gender inequality in Indonesian fisheries
- World Bank, “Indonesia: Women and Financial Inclusion,” 2019.
- UN Women, “The Economic Empowerment of Women in Fisheries,” 2021.
- United Nations, “Sustainable Development Goals,” 2015.
- Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia, Article 27.
- Government of Indonesia, “Law No. 7 of 1984 on the Ratification of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women,” 1984.
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