Is Gender Relevant in Enhancing Economic Competitiveness of Forest Industries? Exploring the Wood-furniture Value Networks in Jepara, Central Java, Indonesia

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2011

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Abstract

"Although gender is imperative; a gender dimension is often lacking when analysing value chains of most forest commodities. Furniture making is labour-intensive involving a long array of network of activities. Indisputably; those interconnected activities are conducted within the prevailing gendered environment. Furniture making is a mainstay of most inhabitants in Jepara but the intense local competition has compromised the profitability of this industry. Thus it is crucial to find ways for upgrading if the livelihoods of the dependents are to be improved as well as the industry’s contribution to national economic growth optimized. This study provides insights on the prevailing gender relations and how such relations can be improved and harnessed to enhance the economic competitiveness of the furniture industry in Jepara; central Java in Indonesia. Such knowledge complements the development of comprehensive scenarios for further upgrading of furniture industry in Jepara particularly and other developing areas with similar issues. Based on 139 observations; the study reveals that both males and females are actively involved in furniture making conducting mainly primary and support activities respectively. However; more males than females are engaged. Furthermore; although both male and female workers’ skills are lacking; females’ skills may be much poorer. This skill gap between males and females in Jepara furniture industry affects considerably their respective returns to labour. Additionally; women’s active involvement is further constrained by socio-cultural environment that dictates gender and the resultant family power relations. Both male and female skills can be enabled in order to achieve cost and differentiation advantages respectively but for women to increasingly and effectively get involved; the socio-cultural environment needs to be revised first. Meanwhile the women’s subordinate position can be taken advantage of to enhance economic rents."

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gender, valuation, forest products, livelihoods

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