Gender dynamics in local organizations: enhancing community participation for sustainable rural development in Indonesia

Abstract

Gender continues to influence participation in rural governance and economic development. This study examines how gender roles influence participation and leadership in local development organizations (LDOs) and local economic organizations (LEOs) in Ampekale Village, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Using a qualitative case study design that combined in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and participant observation, this research draws on insights from 24 key informants (12 men and 10 women), including village officials, organizational leaders, women's groups, NGO facilitators, and community members. The data were thematically coded and analyzed to capture the dynamics of gendered participation. The results show that men dominate leadership and infrastructure planning within LDOs, whereas women's involvement is often symbolic and restricted to welfare and social concerns. In LEOs, women are increasingly active in small-scale enterprises such as crab and snack production. Although these roles are aligned with domestic responsibilities, they enhance household bargaining power and expand women's visibility in governance. Men continue to lead physically demanding production and procurement, but women contribute substantially to value addition, marketing, and household welfare. The findings indicate that entrenched cultural norms, unequal access to resources, and limited leadership opportunities constrain women's influence. To foster equitable rural development, gender-sensitive reforms, such as quotas, participatory budgeting, training, and leadership mentoring are essential.

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