Navigating Post-Covid Economic Recovery: Women's Role in Indonesian Development

Abstract

The aftermath of Covid-19 has deeply affected economic landscapes worldwide, and the role of women within this paradigm is crucial for understanding human development. This study delves into the impact on women's advancement by examining their treatment in education, health, and economic sectors as indicators of development achievements. The UNDP has developed measures like IPG and IDG, assessing gender development components across various dimensions. Conducted as qualitative research, this study draws data from primary sources—observations, interviews, and documentation—from three Indonesian provinces: West Sumatra, Lampung, and East Java. Results indicate a mixed scenario post-Covid-19. Despite the pandemic's impact, West Sumatra saw continuous growth in Gender Empowerment Index and Gender Development Index (GDI) from 2020 to 2022. However, the IDG remained below the national level, while the IPG surpassed national standards. Lampung Province witnessed an increase in IPG from 2020 to 2022. Conversely, East Java experienced a decline in IDG in 2021, followed by a subsequent increase in 2022. IPG in East Java displayed relative growth during the pandemic. Across these provinces, the Gender Empowerment Index lagged behind national growth, while IPG for West Sumatra and East Java exceeded it, with Lampung province falling below. These findings underscore the intricate dynamics shaping post-Covid-19 gender roles in economic recovery in Indonesia's various regions.