Women’s Empowerment in Peken Klangenan Kotagede: An Analytical Study on The Achievement of Sustainable Tourism and SDGs

Peken Klangenan Kotagede is a cultural-themed market managed by women, with 82% of the tenants also being women. This study aims to analyze the dynamics of women’s empowerment in Peken Klangenan Kotagede and its impact on sustainable tourism and the achievement of SDGs. A descriptive qualitative method was employed to identify issues related to women’s empowerment, sustainable tourism, and the SDGs. The sampling techniques included purposive, snowball, and convenience sampling. The informants consisted of managers, women tenants, community leaders, and tourists, with a total of nine informants involved in the study. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, participatory observations, and document analyses. Data validity was tested through source, technique, and time triangulation and member checking. Data analysis was conducted using Miles and Huberman’s framework, with thematic and narrative approaches. This framework uses data collection, data display, data reduction, and conclusion/verification. SDG indicators were used to describe the contribution of women’s empowerment to the achievement of the goals. The findings indicate that women’s empowerment in Peken Klangenan Kotagede contributes to sustainable tourism in economic, social, and environmental dimensions and advances the achievement of SDG 5 (Gender Equality), particularly targets 5.4, 5.5, and 5. a. This study offers a novel contribution by highlighting how a women-led cultural market can operationalize the principles of gender-responsive, sustainable tourism at the grassroots level. Thus, the dynamics of Peken Klangenan Kotagede can be positioned as a model of women’s empowerment that can be used by policymakers and community organizers.