Meaningful participation (meaningful participation) women in village planning and development is a very important and urgent aspect to be realized. This participation is not just a presence, but the active involvement of women in every stage of decision making. With meaningful participation, women can provide different and unique perspectives. Where women are often neglected in the planning process dominated by men. This perspective can help create policies that are more inclusive and responsive to the needs of the entire village community. In addition, women's participation can also strengthen their capacity to organize and contribute to sustainable and equitable development.
RMI through the Estungkara program in collaboration with the Sindanglaya Village Government, Lebak Regency, Banten Province, held an activity to strengthen the women's forum. This event was held on Thursday, June 27, 2024, at the Sindanglaya Village Office. This activity involved 14 Village PKK Groups, 6 Posyandu Cadres, and 6 Canoli Business Groups. This event was also attended by the Head of Sindanglaya Village and village officials.
So far, women in Sindanglaya Village have been less involved in the decision-making process, especially in village deliberations such as the village musrenbangdes. Although some women are involved, the number is still very small and often only an accessory. Lack of self-confidence is one of the main factors causing minimal participation of women in village development.
The strengthening activities of the Women's Forum are in the form of Focus Group Discussion (FGD) which aims to discuss the role of women so far. What they have done and done in their respective institutions, and reflect on the extent to which they understand their position in the group. This FGD also explores the extent of support from related parties for their institutions and roles. The points generated from this discussion will be a reference for determining further interventions. As well as input for the village government in determining the direction of its future policies.
Strengthening of women's deliberation forums will take place three times throughout 2024 with the aim of women's groups being actively involved in the decision-making process at the village level. This activity is in line with the direction of Sindanglaya Village development which is starting to focus on encouraging increased participation of women in more inclusive and sustainable village development.
Sindanglaya Village Head, Japi Priatna, explained that “This Women’s Forum is also one of the preparations for compiling changes to the RPJMDes in his one-year term of office. In addition, this forum also prepares changes to the village RKPDes and APBDes. In it, there will be financial support for women’s groups, especially the PKK group and Posyandu Cadres. It is hoped that with this Women’s Forum, women’s involvement in the village financial budgeting process will increase.”
"This forum is expected to be a driving force and a place to accommodate the aspirations of women's groups. As well as increasing women's confidence to dare to express their opinions in village deliberations," said Japi Priatna.
Women's meaningful participation in village planning and development is key to creating policies that are more inclusive and responsive to community needs. Through activities to strengthen women's forums such as those carried out in Sindanglaya Village, it is hoped that it can increase women's involvement in every decision-making process. This will not only strengthen women's position in village communities but also contribute to more equitable and sustainable development.
