Leave No One Behind: Women's Participation in Sustainable Tourism Development in Kampung Sarugo

This paper aims to explain the condition of women in the rural tourism sector in accordance with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5 – to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. Using the case study of Kampung Sarugo, this analysis examines the level of community participation, the limitations of community involvement in tourism development, and the commitment of the community to participate in rural tourism development. Primary data was collected through in-depth interviews and focused group discussions with 5 female homestay managers, 2 tourism managers, 2 village government officials, and 5 traditional leaders. The data was analysed using qualitative analysis with priorities and alternative strategies. The results of this study indicate that the local community is highly enthusiastic about developing tourism in Kampung Sarugo. Women's involvement has had an economic impact on household income by developing Rumah Gonjong as a homestay. This demonstrates that tourism development with women's involvement has brought about changes in access, where women who were previously confined to the private sphere have shifted to the public sector. Women's involvement in the tourism sector also shows that gender-based rural tourism provides opportunities for household economic improvement. However, the current challenges include cultural, structural, and operational limitations, which must be anticipated to enhance community involvement and mobilise efforts in tourism development.