Women’s roles and gender dynamics in community-based mangrove conservation: evidence from Bahowo, Indonesia

Abstract

This study examined women’s roles and gender dynamics in community-based mangrove conservation and formulated gender-responsive management recommendations in Bahowo, Indonesia. A qualitative case study involved 106 households and key informants through interviews, focus group discussions, observation, and document analysis. Data were analyzed using the Harvard Gender Analysis Framework and Gender Analysis Pathway. Women contributed through productive, reproductive, and socio-cultural activities, particularly mangrove nurseries, livelihood activities, household management, and community initiatives. However, their participation in formal decision-making and policy formulation remained limited, revealing disparities in access, control, and governance despite substantial conservation involvement. Effective community-based mangrove conservation requires moving from gender-neutral to gender-responsive governance by institutionalizing women’s participation, strengthening leadership and technical capacities, expanding livelihood opportunities, and ensuring meaningful involvement in planning, implementation, monitoring, and systematic evaluation.