Women's Empowerment as a Pillar of Sustainable Ecotourism Development in Belumbang Village, Tabanan, Bali

Sustainable ecotourism integrates environmental, social, and economic aspects to encourage local development. However, women's participation in this sector is still limited due to socio-cultural and institutional barriers. This research aims to analyze the role of women in ecotourism in Belumbang Village, identify the challenges they face, and formulate strategies to empower them. The method employed was a qualitative approach, utilizing in-depth interviews, participatory observations, and descriptive analysis, supported by a survey of 100 female respondents. The study's results indicate that women play an active role in the informal ecotourism sector; however, their participation remains minimal in strategic decision-making. Community-based empowerment strategies that include skills training, gender-inclusive policies, and access to capital are recommended to increase women's participation and support the achievement of sustainable development goals.