The Evidence of Women’s Labor Reasons Performing Informal Economic Activities in Palembang, South Sumatera, Indonesia

Abstract

Recently, women’s role in the workfield has increased. Especially with the existence of a gender equality program that makes employment opportunity become equal for both workers, men’s and women’s. Not infrequently even women are more able to compete and occupy important positions at work. But not a few women’s labor are involved in informal sector of workfield. Therefore, this study is aimed to explore the evidence of reasons behind women’s labor performing informal economic activity in Palembang, the city in South Sumatera Province of Indonesia.The method used in the study is a quantitative method by collecting data through surveys and interviews. Then the data were analyzed by using a descriptive analysis of frequency that presented in pie charts and descriptions. The findings of evidence through descriptive analysis of frequency showed that marital status, age, education, income, and business status are the reasons behind women’s labor performing informal economic activity in Palembang. Variable income opportunities attract women to work in the informal sector as well as flexibility and can be done independently (self-help). The conclusion of this study indicates that women that are educated, adult, and married tend to choose the fulfillment of the informal employment.