STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS OF WOMEN’S ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT AND HOUSEHOLD WELFARE IN MERAUKE, SOUTH PAPUA

Abstract

This study examines the impact of women’s empowerment on household economic welfare and local economic development in Merauke, South Papua. Using a Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) approach, the research analyzes how empowerment influences women’s roles in both private and public economic spheres. Empowerment is assessed through indicators such as legal literacy, access to resources, decision-making autonomy, and economic participation. The findings reveal that empowered women significantly contribute to household financial stability and play a key role in revitalizing local economies, especially through informal trade and community-based enterprises.
The study draws on both empirical data and relevant literature, including field research from Wamanggu Market and previous studies on eco-tourism and local entrepreneurship. Women in Merauke face persistent structural barriers, including entrenched gender norms, limited access to education, and financial exclusion. However, community-level initiatives, such as legal literacy programs and women's cooperatives, have shown potential in shifting these dynamics.
The results underscore the need for multi-dimensional policy strategies that address both economic inclusion and the unpaid labor burden carried by women. Recommendations include expanding gender-sensitive financial services, integrating women into local development planning, and providing institutional support for informal economic actors. The study concludes that women’s empowerment is not only vital for achieving gender equity but is also a strategic driver of inclusive, sustainable development in Papua. These findings offer critical insights for policymakers, NGOs, and local institutions aiming to create equitable economic systems that reflect the realities and contributions of women at the grassroots level.