PEMBERDAYAAN WANITA MENDUKUNG STRATEGI GENDER MAINSTREAMING DALAM KEBIJAKAN PEMBANGUNAN PERTANIAN DI PERDESAAN

Abstract

Modernization paradigm in the implementation of agricultural development has caused various changes in rural society, namely changes in social life, culture, politic, and especially economic structure in rural areas. This phenomenon also caused trend of disintegration and discrimination in “labor division” between male and female in various fields which could potentially set aside or even eliminate the important productive function of woman.  This article is aimed at the description of many thoughts and ideas (by theory) about the role and the opportunity of woman who work in agriculture and repositioning the strategy of gender mainstream within the rural agricultural development policies. The double role of women is clearly indicating the importance of the double sources of income for a household.  Women potentials, either as a housewife or as an individual of agricultural worker is the important factor to determine the success of gender mainstreaming strategy.  The empowerment is suggested through applied and innovative technology, protection of working woman, improvement of training and extension activities, enhancement of regulations, facility support, increasing wage rate, and household industry skill development. Job opportunity is suggested to balance between male and female and encourage woman to participate in various development activities.  With this, the gender mainstreaming strategy would improve household welfare in rural areas.