Researcher from Law, Gender & Society Faculty of Law UGM (LGS FH UGM) conducted a research on “Care Economy on Female Forest Rangers and Forest-Dependent Communities in West Sumatra”. This research was conducted in 2 Nagaris, those are Nagari Alahan Mati and Nagari Alahan Mati Hilia started on Sunday (11/8/2024) until Friday (16/8/2024).
The first session that was conducted was the Focus Group Discussion (FGD). This FGD took place in Nagari Alahan Mati Hall and attended by 38 participants from each Nagari. This session was moderated by Sri Wiyanti Eddyono, S.H., LL.M (HR)., Ph.D. as the lead researcher. Sri Wiyanti Eddyono was assisted by a research team consisting of Dr. Arvie Johan, S.H., M.Hum., Arimbi Fajari Furqon, S.H., M.H., Tria Noviantika, S.H., M.H., and Jorgiana Augustine, S.H. This FGD was conducted for the deep profiling towards 10 female respondents and 10 male respondents with specific classification, with the intention for an observation and in depth interview. Besides the 20 respondents, the other respondents consisted of Regional Government Representatives, Adat Figures, and Religious Figures from each nagari.
This research is the first assessment to observe and evaluate the impact from the necessity and the caregiving burden on the effectiveness, participation, and well-being of women forest defenders and forest-dependent communities. This care economy is significantly linked to efforts to achieve gender equality and justice, economic development, and social well-being.
Meanwhile, women forest rangers play a crucial role in the protection, management, and conservation of forests and biodiversity. However, women's dual roles of childcare, elderly care, and household responsibilities limit their time, energy, and resources for forest advocacy and activism. The economic demands of caregiving indirectly reduce women's participation in forest management and protection activities, limit mobility, and increase stress and fatigue.
Through this research, LGS is committed to promoting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly point 5, gender equality, and point 8, decent work and economic growth. The output of this research is recommendations for increasing recognition and support for care work in forest management policies and programs, promoting gender equality, and implementing sustainable practices in the future.
Author : Tria Noviantika (Law, Gender, and Society)
