Twelve students from the Population Master Program at the Postgraduate School of Gadjah Mada University (UGM) carried out Field Work Lectures (KKL) in Kedawung Village, Pejagoan District, Kebumen Regency from 28th September to 4th October 2024. One of the aims of this community service activity aims to analyze women’s involvement in the local roof tile industry which has become an important economic resource for the area.
“KKL activities in Kedawung provided a new perspective regarding female workers in the industrial sector. Usually women’s work tends not to be hard work. “However, in Kedawung it is not a taboo thing, many women work hard such as lifting roof tiles,” said Reni Dwi Ayu, one of the students participating in the KKL.
During this week-long program, students conducted interviews and surveys with female workers in the roof tile industry. They found that many of these women were breadwinners who made significant contributions to household income. These findings emphasize the importance of economic development initiatives that support women’s employment and promote gender equality in the workplace.
Furthermore, the students emphasized the importance of education or training for sustainability in their findings. They noted that providing job skills education and vocational training to women can significantly improve skills and economic resources which in turn will increase productivity and economic growth in the region.
The MPA program also includes a discussion of the wider implications of women’s work in the roof tile industry for the local economy. The students argued that increasing women’s participation in the workforce could lead to higher economic growth and development in Kebumen Regency.
KKL activities in Kedawung Village provided valuable insight into the dynamics of women’s work in the local roof tile industry. These findings highlight the need for continued efforts to promote gender equality, address discrimination, and invest in education and training for women.
Author: Siti Muyasaroh