Pathways of Change through Women’s Collective Action: How Women are Overcoming Barriers and Bucking Trends to Influence Rural Development in Indonesia

Abstract

This extensive analysis piece provides the overview to a peer-reviewed edited volume of case studies, drawing on detailed ethnographic research of how village women have influenced village development in Indonesia's multi-level governance structure under the new Village Law in Indonesia. The analysis in the overview identifies different types and degrees of constraints on gender-inclusive development in Indonesia, and draws out the main forms change that have taken place in the past six years, as well as the main types of impacts from women's collective action on the ground. The analysis also explains the main forms of individual, community and institutional changes underway in Indonesia under Indonesia's decentralised governance structure and its new Village Law.

The comparative analysis draws from the detailed case studies provided in the volume and other extensive research conducted for the larger study. Overall, the study draws from detailed qualitative research, including in-depth interviews, focus group discussion, observations, and long village stays in a variety of villages in Indonesia to illustrate the complex processes by which women exercise voice and influence in village development and how they navigate the constraints on gender inclusion and women’s empowerment. Through the analysis we see how change can happen in Indonesia, despite patriarchal norms and limited women’s representation in governance institutions and other structures of power and decision making. The overview is available in both Bahasa Indonesia and English.