Participation of Coastal Women in Community Empowerment Activities : A Case Study of Kuala Sempang Village, Bintan Regency

Abstract

In the context of various Indonesian coastal regions, including Kuala Sempang Village, Bintan Regency, women in coastal areas assume pivotal roles in sustaining the family's economic stability due to the uncertain nature of family income. This prompts their active engagement in diverse economic endeavors encompassing fishing, agriculture, trade, and creative industries. Community empowerment emerges as a potential panacea to address the multifaceted challenges they encounter. This study seeks to assess the extent of women's involvement in community empowerment initiatives and evaluate their repercussions on the economic dynamics of families in Kuala Sempang Village, Bintan Regency. The research employs a mixed-method approach, integrating qualitative and quantitative elements, with data collection methods spanning observation, Likert-scale questionnaire dissemination, and interviews. The findings of this investigation reveal that women's participation in community empowerment activities, primarily within Joint Business Groups (KUBE), is notably robust, traversing three phases, including planning (91.1%), implementation (94.9%), and evaluation (92%). Consequently, the involvement of coastal women in empowerment endeavors within Kuala Sempang Village, Bintan Regency, exerts a tangible influence on the enhancement of their skills and family income.