Economic empowerment of coastal female farmers on the north coast of Java through implementing CSR program

Abstract

Women play an essential part in development, but their role is often neglected. The attempt to economically engage women is one surviving strategy for the coastal people identical to poverty. Ironically, women's participation in economic activity is still so low that an initiative for women's empowerment is needed, just like the 5th point of the Sustainable Development Goals. Corporation, through CSR programs, contributes to realizing women's empowerment. This research aimed to analyze the process of women's empowerment through CSR programs. The qualitative research with a case study approach took place on the north coast of Java, precisely in Pangkalan Village, Sluke Sub District, Rembang Regency, Central Java, Indonesia. Data were gathered by conducting in-depth interviews with female farmers, agricultural extensionists, village government officers, and community development officers of PT. PLN Nusantara Power UP Rembang (Rembang Service Unit of PT. PLN Nusantara Power) was supported by data resulting from observation and documentation. Research showed that empowerment was carried out by organizing women in a farmer group through planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. Planning was carried out through problem identification, potency, and target need mapping. The implementation involved facilitating the improvement of human resources through training and comparative studies, group development, and the provision of facilities and access to marketing. Monitoring and evaluation were held periodically throughout the group's routine meetings. In conclusion, the CSR program can positively change women's improved economic innovation, supported by synergic collaboration among stakeholders.