Upaya Perempuan Cina Benteng Keluar dari Jerat Kemiskinan dan Peminggiran: Studi Kasus di Desa Belimbing, Kecamatan Kosambi, Kabupaten Tangerang, Provinsi Banten

Abstract

As part of an ethnic minority, the Benteng Chinese women (Ciben) in Belimbing Village, Kosambi District, Tangerang Regency, face exclusion due to multiple factors, including poverty, stigma, and gender inequality. This study explores the efforts of Ciben women to escape the traps of poverty and marginalization through cooperatives. The research employs a qualitative approach with a feminist perspective, analyzing empowerment in the context of development through Jo Rowlands’ three dimensions of power: power to, power within, and power with. Data were gathered through a desk review of program reports and in-depth interviews with seven purposively selected respondents involved in the cooperative. The findings indicate that the cooperative not only provided an alternative solution to economic problems but also increased the recognition of Ciben women, both within their communities at the village level and by local government. This recognition led to better access to public services and greater involvement of Ciben women in the development planning process through the Musrenbangdes (village development planning forum)