Empowering Rural Women Through Entrepreneurship: An Analysis of Economic and Social Impacts

This study analyzes the economic and social impacts of rural women empowerment through entrepreneurship in Indonesia. Using a mixed-method approach, the research involved 150 female entrepreneur respondents from 10 villages in Central Java and East Java. Results indicate that entrepreneurship programs increased women's income by an average of 45% within 12 months, with 78% of respondents reporting enhanced economic independence. Social impacts include a 62% increase in household decision-making participation and 56% improvement in community involvement. BPS data shows 64% of SMEs are managed by women, yet access to capital and technology remains limited. Empowerment programs through entrepreneurship prove effective in improving rural women's economic and social status while reducing gender disparities in the economic sector.