Non-State Actors and SDGs: NGO Challenges in Achieving Gender Equality Within Minangkabau Matrilineal Society

Abstract

. Gender inequality has been proven to be one of the global development's most urgent problems to date. As discrimination against women and girls remains and even increases, it persists as one of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In 2019, Indonesia’s GDI was in group three, and its GII ranked was number 121 out of 162 countries. These numbers are largely related to the development of Indonesia's provinces. Being the largest matrilineal society, Minangkabau ethnic has frequently been the center of the research, particularly on matrilineality and gender equality. However, although West Sumatra's HDI and GDI are higher than Indonesia, its GII is still below the national level. This research aims to identify the challenges experienced by NGOs in implementing programs related to the targets of SDG gender equality in West Sumatra. This research is qualitative research employing literature study and semi-structured interviews as methods to compile data. Interviews are focused on NGOs in West Sumatra such as Nurani Perempuan, Pambangkik Batang Tarandam (PBT) and Lembaga Pengkajian dan Pemberdayaan Masyarakat (LP2M). Each NGO experienced challenges in terms of its activities, organizations, and relations with partners. Although specific challenges between these institutions/organizations differ, there is a similar line connecting them; the challenge of patriarchy which manifests in various levels and forms.