Semarang (16/10) — A study by Dr. Dewi Erowati, S.Sos., M.Si., a lecturer in the Department of Political Science and Government at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP), Universitas Diponegoro (Undip), highlights the role of women in the simultaneous 2020 Regional Elections in Central Java. Entitled “Women and Local Democracy: A Study on the Engagement of Women Candidates in the 2020 Elections in Central Java,” the study examines various challenges faced by female candidates within a political landscape still dominated by patriarchal culture and high political costs.

The study reveals that although the number of women running for regional leadership positions has increased, female candidates continue to encounter numerous obstacles. Among the 16 women who contested in the 2020 Regional Elections, seven succeeded in being elected as regional heads, while four were elected as deputy heads. A key factor contributing to the success of female candidates is strong financial support and robust political networks, most of which are linked to their politically influential families.

Dr. Dewi Erowati, who holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences from Universitas Diponegoro, a Master of Science from Gadjah Mada University, and a Doctorate from the University of Indonesia, emphasized that strengthening gender identity also plays a crucial role in garnering voter support. Successful female candidates in the elections often emphasize positive attributes such as empathy, listening skills, and relationship-building abilities, which are effective in countering the negative stereotypes often associated with women in politics.

This study is expected to provide valuable insights for policymakers and political practitioners to better support female participation in the democratic process by minimizing existing barriers.

Source: Erowati, D., Astuti, P., & Turtiantoro, T. (2022, September). Women and Local Democracy: A Study on the Engagement of Women Candidates in the 2020 Elections in Central Java.* In Proceedings of the 6th International Conference on Social and Political Enquiries, ICISPE 2021,* September 14-15, 2021, Semarang, Indonesia.

About the Author:

Dr. Dewi Erowati, S.Sos., M.Si., is a lecturer in the Department of Political Science and Government at FISIP, Universitas Diponegoro. Her teaching focus includes election finance management, logistics, and planning and budgeting. She earned her undergraduate degree from Universitas Diponegoro, a master’s degree from Gadjah Mada University, and a doctoral degree from the University of Indonesia.

Contributor: Nur Inayah