Visiting Scholar Presentation: ‘Empowering Resilience: Unintended Consequences and Reflections on Women and Work after COVID-19 in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

In this seminar, speaker Dr Fina Itriyati presents an ethnographic study that investigates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the work of low-income women in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, a city affected by the crisis.

By conducting 120 in-depth interviews with women engaged in various economic sectors, including formal and informal employment, this research explores the effects of the pandemic on their income earning and examines their experiences during the recovery phase. This research was conducted alongside Dr Rachel Rinaldo, Hartmantyo Pradigto Utomo, and Dinda Kamilia.

By delving into the evolving dynamics of women and work in Indonesia, particularly in the aftermath of the pandemic, this study sheds light on the challenges encountered by women in different economic sectors. Recognising the amplified caregiving responsibilities that women globally have shouldered due to the pandemic, the research specifically examines the implications for women workers in Yogyakarta.

This paper offers insights into the experiences and reflections of low-income women as they navigate the recovery period following the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights their determination, leadership, and resilience in striving for economic stability within their households.

Additionally, the research explores the positive impacts on their income generation, network expansion, skill development, and participation in the community. By considering their reflections and aspirations, the study underscores the importance of empowering women and addressing persistent disadvantages they may face. Recognising their capabilities and aspirations to enhance working conditions and capacity will strengthen their leadership skills within their businesses, families, and communities.

Ultimately, this research contributes to a better understanding of the experiences of low-income women in Yogyakarta post-COVID-19, and encourages efforts to promote their empowerment and well-being in the context of work.

This seminar was chaired by Dr Wulan Dirgantoro, Co-Convenor of the Indonesia Forum and Lecturer in Contemporary Art at the School of Culture and Communication.

  • Event Details

    Thursday 7 March 2024 (18.00-19.00 AEDT)

    Room 321), Floor 3, Sidney Myer Asia Centre

Speaker Bio

Dr Fina Itriyati is the Deputy/Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation and Alumni in the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIPOL) at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). She is also a lecturer in sociology and has a PhD in anthropology from the Australian National University.

Dr Itriyati has significant research experience related to inclusion, especially of women and people with disabilities, and governance and evaluation. Her research interests include gender and social inclusion in Indonesia, the intersection between disasters, disability, and development, and feminist methodologies in ethnography.

Dr Itriyati has also built strong relationships with various government agencies in Indonesia, including her consulting role for developing community services programs for inclusive villages with the Ministry of Villages.

She is currently the Project Leader for a social impact evaluation of micro- and ultra-micro credit for women’s empowerment in Indonesia (with Permodalan Nasional Madani) and the Project Leader investigating the Indonesian old age security system in collaboration with the National Social Security Agency for Employment (BPJamsostek).

Dr Fina Itriyati was hosted by Associate Professor Rachael Diprose from the School of Social and Political Sciences (SSPS). Her visit to the University is on 17 February to 3 March 2024.

Dr Fina Itriyati visited the University of Melbourne from 17 February to 3 March 2024, hosted by Associate Professor Rachael Diprose from the School of Social and Political Sciences (SSPS), funded by the Indonesia Strategic Engagement Group (ISEG) initiative from The University of Melbourne.

During her visit, she delivered:

  • A joint Faculty-Indonesia Forum public lecture on Trends in Gender Studies and Related Research in Indonesian Universities: Examining Curricula Development in Sociological Study Programs in Indonesia.
  • A seminar for the Indonesia Postgraduate Network (IPN) on Women and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Post-Pandemic Indonesia
  • Guest lectures in subjects under the Faculty of Arts Gender Studies program, in Analysing Indonesia and Indonesian 1 under the Asia Institute, in Development Research Design and Assessment, the Sociology/Social Policy Masters, and other programs as desired.
  • Participation in a research workshop led by A/Prof Rachael Diprose and Dr Ken Setiawan on Building Durable Responses to Gender Inequality in Indonesia.