An analysis of women's education in Indonesia : empowerment and barriers

Abstract

The purpose of the study is threefold. Firstly, the study is intended to recognize the empowerment approach provided by the government of Indonesia to increase number of women's education attainment. Secondly, it is to identify the barriers to education that impede Indonesian women in gaining their education. And thirdly, it is to determine the relevance of improved education for women in Indonesia and to seek a better alternative for the empowerment of Indonesian women. The description of Indonesian women is presented to trace their education achievements within the last three decades, their participation in the employment sector, and their contribution to national income. Using library research, the study also addresses several facets of women's empowerment and barriers to education of Indonesian women.

This study demonstrates that, as a rule, education for women in Indonesia is gradually improving although the overall level of achievement still lags behind that of men.

Although women's empowerment programs are already being implemented, the success of the programs depends not only on the capability of women themselves to participate in the empowerment process, but also to foster gender sensitivity. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)