REPRESENTASE POLITIK PEREMPUAN DI DPRD KOTA GORONTALO

Abstract

This study aims to analyze women’s political representation in the Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) of Gorontalo City. The research method employed is qualitative, utilizing both primary and secondary data sources. The findings show that although women make up only five out of 23 members, their presence has made important contributions to the three main legislative functions: legislation, budgeting, and oversight. In the legislative function, women members have pushed for regulations that favor gender equality, child protection, and economic empowerment, although their access to core legislative bodies remains limited due to male dominance and strong patriarchal culture. In the budgeting function, they seek to mainstream women’s needs through gender budgeting, training, and strengthening of MSMEs, even though women’s representation in the budget committee is still minimal. In the oversight function, women legislators demonstrate a more empathetic and responsive approach, particularly toward vulnerable groups, through empowerment forums, socio-religious activities, and the Pokok Pikiran (POKIR) mechanism, which they directly monitor to ensure proper targeting. However, women’s political representation in the DPRD of Gorontalo City has not yet become fully substantive, as it is constrained by limited seats, lack of access to strategic positions, and cultural norms that view public office as more suitable for men. The study also identifies two main influencing factors: family and culture. Family can serve as a strength through emotional support and social networks, but also as a burden due to women’s dual roles. Meanwhile, patriarchal culture continues to dominate, although in certain contexts the values of solidarity and social networks can support women’s political struggle. Therefore, strengthening political capacity, affirmative strategies, and transforming patriarchal values are key to realizing substantive and inclusive representation in the DPRD of Gorontalo City.