Women's Contributions and Participation Barriers in Goa Boma Customary Institutions

Abstract

This study examines women’s contributions to indigenous community life and the factors limiting their participation in customary governance in Goa Boma Village, Bengkayang Regency, West Kalimantan. Using a case study design, the research draws on a 2024 gender survey of 26 women, in-depth interviews, and Focus Group Discussions with village stakeholders. The findings show that women contribute substantially to household livelihoods, family financial management, agriculture, and village social organizations. Nevertheless, only 3.8% of respondents reported women’s involvement in customary governance and decision-making, while 96.2% reported their exclusion. Patriarchal norms, limited recognition of women’s customary knowledge, domestic workloads, and restricted access to decision-making spaces constrain participation. The study is limited to one indigenous community and therefore does not claim statistical generalizability. It contributes empirical evidence for gender-responsive customary governance and highlights a key institutional gap: women’s substantial economic and social contributions do not automatically translate into customary authority. The study therefore proposes capacity strengthening and more inclusive deliberative spaces while maintaining respect for local cultural values.