Other publication / Published on Konde.co
The article tells the story of women in rural Balodano who sustain their households and communities through care work that often goes unseen and unrecognized. It brings forward lived experiences of women who, in the absence of stable male income due to migration, step into the role of primary breadwinners while continuing to carry the full weight of domestic responsibilities.
It highlights how these women navigate a “double burden,” balancing income-generating activities such as farming and informal work with unpaid care duties like childcare, elder care, and household management. Despite their central role in maintaining family wellbeing and local economies, their contributions are rarely acknowledged within formal economic systems or policy frameworks.
At the same time, the piece emphasizes women’s resilience and agency. Through their everyday labor, they ensure food security, sustain social networks, and keep communities functioning in the face of economic uncertainty. Their knowledge and adaptive strategies reflect a deep understanding of local conditions and survival mechanisms.
However, the article also draws attention to persistent structural inequalities that limit women’s access to resources, financial support, and decision-making spaces. It calls for stronger recognition of care work and the need for gender-responsive policies that support and redistribute these responsibilities more fairly.
Ultimately, the article underscores that recognizing women as “invisible breadwinners” is essential for advancing gender justice and building more inclusive and sustainable community economies.
Read the full article on Konde.co ↗
DEEP EnGender Author
Yorizal Tri Marzuki Gulo
Mr. Yorizal Tri Marzuki Gulo specializes in Public Administration focusing on community empowerment, gender-responsive governance, and digital innovation. His work explores inclusive education and women’s leadership through participatory approaches. He has authored articles and co-authored a book on women’s empowerment. Yorizal earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Public Administration from Medan Area University and Lambung Mangkurat University, respectively.
