The Political Phenomenon of Women's Participation in the East Kalimantan Governor Election

Abstract

         Historically, women were deliberately excluded from political power and participation in democracies. Various studies have revealed the women's participation in various countries, the results of which, the equality of women's participation in politics is of the concern to many countries. Studies found that there are still inequalities in political participation between women and men. The strong tradition of most community members who discredit women by regarding women as second persons. Meanwhile, political reform which occurred in Indonesia has certainly given great opportunity to women to participate. In addition, the globalization era has brought about the changes in the development, so do in women. Local Government Election, specifically in East Kalimantan was taken as a case study in this study. The study employed a qualitative approach as well as interviews with relevant key informants. The study analyzed political participation opportunities of women activists in the governor election in the term of voting, campaign, political discussion and contacting perspective. The regional head elections in East Kalimantan especially, Indonesia in general still found challenges regarding the lack of women's political participation. Especially political discussion and contacting still limited to access by women activist.  Women often face numerous constraints for increasing their political participation.