Women Workers’ Strategies in the Sago Product Business Sector to Improve Family Welfare in Pasar Tebat Village, North Bengkulu

This study aims to comprehensively identify and analyze the strategies adopted by women workers in the sago product business sector to enhance the welfare of their families in Pasar Tebat Village, North Bengkulu, Indonesia. The research focuses on five key informants, consisting of the owner of a sago processing facility, a factory supervisor, and three female laborers directly involved in the sago production process. Employing a qualitative case study approach, data were collected through in-depth interviews, direct observation, and documentation to gain a nuanced understanding of the socio-economic dynamics experienced by these women. The findings reveal that women play a critical role in the sago production chain, particularly in labor-intensive stages such as drying. Their involvement is not limited to physical labor but extends to the formulation of coping strategies to balance multiple roles as workers and caregivers. The primary strategies identified include effective time management to reconcile domestic responsibilities and factory work, adherence to work discipline to maintain productivity, and the consistent practice of saving a portion of their income for future family needs. These strategies are influenced by socio-cultural norms, economic necessity, and personal resilience. Despite facing challenges such as unpredictable weather affecting production and the dual burden of domestic and professional roles, these women demonstrate high levels of perseverance and adaptability. Their earnings, though modest, serve as a vital supplementary income for their households and contribute meaningfully to the financial stability and overall well-being of their families. This study highlights the significance of women’s economic participation in rural informal sectors and the potential of localized, small-scale enterprises in supporting family welfare and community resilience. Keywords: Women Workers’ Strategies, Sago Product Business, Family Welfare