Poster 10

[P-10-01] Behavioral Intentions to Negotiate the Division of Domestic Labor: A Qualitative Study in Salahutu District, Maluku for Women- and Children-Friendly Village Initiative

*Laraszahra Kemalasari Erlambang^1,2, Sherly Saragih Turnip^1,2, Fitri Fausiah^1,2 (1.Research of Community Mental Health Initiative(Indonesia), 2.Universitas Indonesia(Indonesia))

Keywords:

Behavioral intention,Domestic labor,Gender equality,Community empowerment,Women-friendly village

Based on the Indonesian Central Bureau of Statistics, Indonesia has a Gender Inequality Index (GII) value of 0.447 in 2023. Maluku Province ranks amongst the highest GII in the nation, with its history of long-term conflict that extended its violence to homes, including gender-based violence. In an effort to realize gender equality, the Indonesian government has launched the Desa Ramah Perempuan dan Peduli Anak (DRPPA/Women- and Children-Friendly Village) initiative, aimed at gender mainstreaming as well as cultivating supportive villages for women and children, with Salahutu District, Central Maluku Regency being one of the local areas to first initiate it. This study aims to examine women’s behavioral intentions to negotiate the division of domestic labor with male family members in Salahutu District, within the DRPPA framework. Using Ajzen’s Theory of Planned Behavior and an emancipatory action research methodology, data were gathered through observation, analysis of existing village records, discussions with local institutions, as well as interviews with female community members across six villages in the district. Thematic analysis reveals that while many women express a desire to advocate for a more equitable sharing of household tasks, actual negotiation is often constrained by internalized gender norms, perceived male resistance, and broader cultural expectations. These findings suggest that community-based structures, such as Kader Sahabat Perempuan dan Anak (Support Cadres for Women and Children), may support women in translating intention into action. Such initiatives would empower village communities to cultivate sustainable practices to challenge prevailing gender norms that start within the domestic sphere.