KE ARAH MENCAPAI KESAKSAMAAN GENDER: ANALISIS PEMERKASAAN WANITA MELALUI SEKTOR EKOPELANCONGAN DI KADAMAIAN, KOTA BELUD, SABAH: ACHIEVING GENDER EQUALITY: AN ANALYSIS OF WOMEN EMPOWERMENT THROUGH ECOTOURISM IN KADAMAIAN, KOTA BELUD, SABAH

DAYANG SURIA MULIA; KARTINA  NARWAN

doi:10.51200/ejk.v26i.2463

Authors

DAYANG SURIA MULIA Program Antropologi & Sosiologi, Fakulti Sains Sosial dan Kemanusiaan, 88400 Universiti Malaysia Sabah
KARTINA NARWAN Program Antropologi & Sosiologi, Fakulti Sains Sosial dan Kemanusiaan, 88400 Universiti Malaysia Sabah

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51200/ejk.v26i.2463

Keywords:

Pemerkasaan wanita, jurang gender, kesaksamaan gender, pembangunan komuniti, luar bandar, ekopelancongan, Women empowerment, gender gap, gender equality, community development, rural, ecotourism

Abstract

Pemerkasaan wanita merupakan aspek penting dalam mencapai kesaksamaan gender. Kesaksamaan gender merujuk kepada keadaan, iaitu wanita dan lelaki menikmati peluang, akses, hak dan tanggungjawab yang sama dalam semua aspek kehidupan. Dalam konteks perbincangan artikel ini, ekopelancongan dianggap sebagai satu ‘alat’ yang mampu memperkasa wanita dari aspek ekonomi, sosial dan politik. Penglibatan aktif wanita dalam aktiviti ekopelancongan membolehkan mereka terlibat dalam proses membuat keputusan, meningkatkan akses, kawalan dan pemilikan terhadap sumber alam semula jadi. Antara isu utama yang dibincangkan dalam artikel ini ialah kepelbagaian peranan wanita yang terlibat aktif dalam ekopelancongan di Kadamaian, Kota Belud. Kepelbagaian peranan dan penglibatan wanita dalam sektor ini memberi petunjuk kepada tahap pemerkasaan mereka yang terlibat. Indikator untuk menilai elemen pemerkasaan wanita antaranya ialah akses kepada pemilikan dan kawalan sumber, penglibatan dalam proses membuat keputusan, peningkatan kemahiran, keyakinan diri dan pengembangan jaringan sosial. Penilaian tahap pemerkasaan wanita juga diteliti dari aspek keupayaan mengurus sumber dan bagaimana mereka mampu menyaingi lelaki dalam mengendalikan aktiviti lasak dalam sektor ekopelancongan. Kaedah kualitatif yang digunakan untuk mendapatkan data termasuklah temu bual secara mendalam, focus group discussion (FGD), pemerhatian di samping menyertai aktiviti ekopelancongan yang menampilkan wanita sebagai pengendali aktiviti. Dapatan kajian menunjukkan terdapat elemen pemerkasaan wanita dalam sektor ekopelancongan di Kadamaian. Seramai 44 orang responden wanita yang ditemu bual dalam kajian ini. Dapatan kajian menunjukkan terdapat 22 peratus wanita yang memiliki dan mengurus homestay, 15 peratus wanita mengetuai projek ekopelancongan berasaskan komuniti, dan 15 peratus wanita menjadi pengendali pendaki dan pengembaraan hutan. Namun, masih ramai wanita yang terlibat dalam kerja pembersihan dan keceriaan di camping site dan homestay, iaitu sebanyak 42 peratus dan selebihnya wanita menjadi
pengendali penunggang kuda, pertukangan, landskap, pengendali aktiviti seperti rakit dan aktiviti perkhemahan. Dapatan kajian ini boleh dijadikan input kepada agensi berkaitan dalam merangka dasar dan strategi untuk memperkasa wanita di luar bandar.

Women empowerment is a critical aspect in achieving gender equality. Gender equality refers to the situation in which women and men enjoy equal opportunities, access, rights and responsibilities in all aspects of life. In the context of this article, ecotourism is considered as a ‘tool’ that can empower women economically, socially and politically. Active participation of women in ecotourism activities enables them to be involved in decision-making, increasing their access, control and ownership of natural resources. The main objective of this research is to identify the roles of women involved in ecotourism in Kadamaian, Kota Belud. The second objective is to assess the level of women empowerment involved in ecotourism activities. Indicators used to assess women empowerment elements are the level of their access to ownership and control of resources, their involvement in decision-making, skills development, self-confidence and social networks development. The assessment of the level of women empowerment is also examined in terms of resource management capabilities and the ability to compete with males in the management of extreme activities in the ecotourism sector. Qualitative methods which are used in this research include in-depth interviews, focus group discussion (FGD), observations as well as participatory in ecotourism activities that featured women as facilitators of activities. The findings show that there is an element of women empowerment in ecotourism activities. A total of 44 female respondents were interviewed in this study. The findings indicate that 22 per cent of women own and operate a homestay, 15 per cent of women lead community-based ecotourism projects, and 15 per cent of women are skilled hikers and jungle-trekking guides. However, there are still more women involved in cleaning and maintenance tasks at the camping sites and homestays, which accounts for 42 per cent and the rest of the women are horse handlers, carpenters, involved in landscapes, handlers for activities such as rafting, and camping activities. The findings of this study can serve as an input to relevant agencies in formulating policies and strategies for empowering rural women.

References

Abdullah, M., Awang Noor, A. G, Hin Wai Yip & Zabidi, H. (2016). Assessment of attractions, visitation and local community-based ecotourism at Marudu Bay, Sabah. The Malaysian Forester, 79(1&2),189−196.
Barry, K.S. (2012). Women empowerment and community development through ecotourism. (Unpublished Master Thesis). SIT Graduate Institute, Vermont, USA.
Bras, K. & Dahles, H. (1998). Women entrepreneurs and beach tourism in Sanur, Bali: Gender employment opportunities and government policy. Pacific Tourism Review, 1, 243−256.
Dayang Suria Mulia. (2017). Survival strategies of single mothers among indigenous ethnics in rural areas: Case study in Kota Belud, Sabah. Jurnal Kinabalu, 23, 43−63.
Dilly, B, J. (2003). Gender culture and ecotourism: Development policies and practices in the Guyanese rain forest. Women’s Studies Quarterly, 31(3/4), 58−75.
Donohue, H., & Needham, R. (2006). Ecotourism: The evolving contemporary definition. Journal of Ecotourism, 5(3),192−210.
Duini @ Vini Sinteh. (2010). Taman Kinabalu sebagai asas pelancongan utama Sabah dan kesannya kepada masyarakat setempat. (Tesis Sarjana tidak diterbitkan). Universiti Sains Malaysia, Pulau Pinang.
Ferguson, L. (2009). Analysing the gender dimensions of tourism as a development strategy. Paper Presented at the Development Studies Association Conference. University of Ulster, Coleraine, Northern, September.
Fredrick, Z.A.O., et al. (2015). Ecotourism for community empowerment and social inclusion: The case of Abindu sacred site in Kisumu county, Kenya. Journal of Economics and Sustainable Development, 6(4), 7−15.
Gentry, K. M. (2007). Bellzean women and Tourism work: Opportunity or impediment. Annal of Tourism Research, 34(2), 477−496.
Intan Osman, Zainal Ariffin Ahmad, Noor Hazlina Ahmad, Azrina Hussin, Saridan Abu Bakar & Nur Diyana Tanwir. (2009). Following the trail of women homestay entrepreneurs in Malaysia: Understanding their motivation and empowerment. TEAM Journal of Hospitality & Tourism, 6(1), 24−35.
Irandu, M. E. & Shah, P. (2014). The role of ecotourism in promoting women empowerment and community development: Some reflections from Kenya. Journal of Tourism and Hospitality Management, 2(6), 245−259.
Jabil Map Jabil. (2010). Pelancongan berasaskan selam skuba di Pulau Mabul, Sabah. Prosiding PERKEM V, 2, 311−320.
Jacobus, F. K, Carel, D., & Miriam, M. (2005). Ecotourism as a development strategy: Experiences from Costa Rica. Environ Dev Sustain, 11, 1225−1237.
Jayaraman, K., et al. (2010). Sustainable ecotourism: The case of East Malaysia. TEAM Journal of Hospitality and Tourism, 7(1), 27−44.
Johan Afendi Ibrahim & Mohamad Zaki Ahmad. (2009). Program homestay pemangkin pertumbuhan ekonomi luar bandar: Kajian kes negeri-negeri utara Semenanjung Malaysia. Prosiding PERKEM, IV (2), 227−242.
Jurry Foo & Kadir Jaafar. (2019). Women’s role in the medicinal plants market in the tamu of west coast, Sabah. Jurnal Kinabalu, 25, 13−20.
Kartina Narwan & Dayang Suria Mulia. (2019). Impak ekopelancongan terhadap pemerkasaan wanita, kesaksamaan gender dan pembangunan komuniti. Malaysian Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 4(6), 139−151.
Koeman. (1998). Sa Pa, Vietnam: Capacity building for sustainable tourism and Sa Pa, Vietnam: Ideas for the future. Communications to the Internet Conference of Community Based Mountain Tourism Sponsored by Mountain Forum, 11 May.
Long, V. & G. Wall. (1995). Small scale tourism development in Bali. Dlm. M. Conlin & T. Baum (eds.). Island tourism: Management, principles and practice. London: John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Manu, I. K, & Wuleka C-J. (2012). Community-based ecotourism and livelihood enhancement in Sirigu, Ghana. International Journal of Humanities and Social Science, 2(18), 97−108.
Mohd Jirey Kumalah, Gusni Saat, Jabil Mapjabil, Rosazman Hussin, Teuku Afrizal & Mustapa Abu. (2015). Kearifan tempatan dan potensinya sebagai tarikan pelancongan berasaskan komuniti: Kajian kes komuniti Bajau Ubian di Pulau Mantanani, Sabah Geografia: Malaysian Journal of Society and Space, 11(12), 112−128.
Monterrubio, C.J. & Espinosa, B. (2013). Characterisation of ecotourism employment in a developing world destination. GeoJournal of Tourism and Geosites, 1(11), 54−65.
Muhammad Faiz Saumi & Izzal Asnira Zolkepli. (2017). Kelestarian kualiti perkhidmatan ekopelancongan: Aplikasi model analisa ‘gap’ bagi memahami kepuasan pelancong zoo Malaysia. Jurnal Pengurusan, 49(12), 141−154.
Mwangi, D. W. (2005). A case study analysis on the social impact of the ecotourism project in Selenkei Ranch, Amboseli, Kenya. (Unpublished Master Thesis (tourism)), University of Witwatersrand, SA.
Nor Haniza Mohamad. (2016). Critical success factors of community-based tourism in Batu Puteh, Kinabatangan, Sabah. (Unpublished PhD Thesis (Management)), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai, Johor.
Nur Syakiran Akmal Ismail. (2015). Mengarusperdana gender di Malaysia: Satu tinjauan konseptual. Geografia: Malaysian Journal of Society and Space, 12(7), 160−171.
Obadic, A. (2016). Gender discrimination and pay gap on tourism labor market. International Journal of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, 10(3), 823−828.
Ramzah Dambul & Amriah Buang. (2008). Permasalahan industri pelancongan di Kundasang, Sabah: Penjelasan kestrukturan Marxist. Malaysian Journal of Society and Space, 4, 32−44.
Reimer, J. K, & Walter, P. (2013). How do you know it when you see it? Community-based ecotourism in Cardamom mountains of southwestern Cambodia. Tourism Management, 34, 122−132.
Ridgeway, C., L. (2011). Frame by gender. New York: Oxford.
Rosazman Hussin. & Velan Kunjuraman. (2014). Pelancongan mapan berasaskan komuniti (CBT) melalui program homestay di Sabah, Malaysia. Geografia: Malaysian Journal of Society and Space, 10(3), 160−174.
Rosazman Hussin & Velan. Kunjuraman. (2016). Women participation in ecotourism development: Are they empowered? World Applied Sciences Journal, 34(12), 1652−1658.
Sabah Tourism Board. Jumlah Ketibaan Pelancong dan Pendapatan Ekonomi Pelancongan. Diakses pada Julai 2019 daripada https://www.sabahtourism.com.
Sato, T., & Chem Wern Hong, Masazumi AO, Badaruddin Mohamed & Ngai Weng Chan. (2013). Kajian perbandingan isu dan cabaran ekopelancongan di Taman Negara Pulau Pinang dan Taman Kinabalu, Malaysia. Pascasidang Seminar Serantau ke-2 Pengurusan dan Persekitaran di Alam Melayu, 589−595.
Schellhorn, M. (2010). Development for whom? Social Justice and the business of ecotourism. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 18(1), 115−135.
Scheyvens, R. (1999). Ecotourism and the empowerment of local communities. Tourism Management, 20, 245−249.
Scheyvens, R. (2000). Promoting women’s empowerment through involvement in ecotourism: Experiences from The Third World. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 8(3), 232−249.
Scheyvens, R. (2007). Ecotourism and gender issues. Dlm. J. Higham. (ed.). Critical issues in ecotourism. Burlington, MA: Elsevier.
Scott, J., Plagnol, A.C. & Nolan, J. (2010). Perceptions of quality life: Gender differences across the life. Dlm. J. Scott, R. Crompton & C. Lyonette (eds.). Gender Inequalities in the 21st Century: New Barriers and Continuing Constraints. United Kingdom: MPG Books Group.
Simon, C., et. al. (2011). The theory and practice of ecotourism in South Africa. Journal of Hospitality Management and Tourism, 2(2), 14−21.
Stronza, A. (2005). Hosts and hosts: The anthropology of community-based ecotourism in Peruvian Amazon. National Association for The Practice of Anthropology Bulletin. Texas A&M University.
Tong, R.P. & Botts T.F. (2017). Feminist thought: A more comprehensive introduction. (5th ed.). New York: West View Press.
Tran, L. & Walter, P. (2014). Ecotourism, gender and development in Northern Vietnam. Annals of Tourism Research, 44, 116−130.
Walter, P. (2011). Gender analysis in community-based ecotourism. Tourism Recreation Research, 36(2), 159−168.
Weaver, D. B., & Lawton, L. J. (2007). Progress in tourism management. Twenty years on: The state of contemporary ecotourism research. Tourism Management, 28 1168−1179.
Wilkinson, P. & Pratiwi, W. (1995). Gender and tourism in an Indonesian village. Annals of Tourism Research, 22 (2), 283−99.
Wood, M., E. (2002). Ecotourism: Principles, practices and policies for sustainability. United Nations environment programme. Diakses pada Julai 2019 daripada http://www.unep.fr/scp/publications/details.asp?id=WEB/0137/PA.
Wawancara bersama Jupiah Somboton, pada 9 November 2019, bertempat di Kampung Melangkap, Kota Belud, Sabah.
Wawancara bersama Doihim Salantik, pada 9 November 2019, bertempat di Kampung Melangkap, Kota Belud, Sabah.
Wawancara bersama Laila wong, pada 9 November 2019, bertempat di Kampung Melangkap, Kota Belud, Sabah.
Wawancara bersama Julitah Tunding, pada 9 November 2019, bertempat di Kampung Melangkap, Kota Belud, Sabah.
Wawancara bersama Loraine, pada 9 November 2019, bertempat di Kampung Melangkap, Kota Belud, Sabah.
Wawancara bersama Lorence Awasang, pada 9 November 2019, bertempat di Kampung Melangkap, Kota Belud, Sabah.
Wawancara bersama N. Florrist Jainggin, pada 9 November 2019, bertempat di Kampung Melangkap, Kota Belud, Sabah.
Wawancara bersama Yuni, pada 11 November 2019, bertempat di Kampung Nahaba, Kota Belud, Sabah.
Wawancara bersama Martina Yabis, pada 12 November 2019, bertempat di Kampung Melangkap, Kota Belud, Sabah.