EMPLOYMENT GAP ANALYSIS FOR WOMEN IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR: STUDY ON ALUMNI OF STAIN/IAIN SAMARINDA IN EAST AND NORTH KALIMANTAN

Abstract

Despite its low current level, the number of women employed in the public sector continues to increase annually. However, the positive advancement of women's roles in Indonesia's public sector still encounters numerous challenges. Cultural barriers, social norms, religious perspectives, and non-gender-responsive policies are among the factors hindering women's participation in the public sphere. Thus, this study aims to analyze the perceptions of female alumni from IAIN Samarinda regarding the status of women working in the public sphere, examine the factors that encourage and impede female alumni from IAIN Samarinda to pursue careers in public spaces. This study is qualitative research employing a phenomenological approach involving 101 informants who are alumni of STAIN/IAIN Samarinda. Data collection was conducted through questionnaires, interviews, and documentation. Findings were categorized according to themes and key codes that emerged during the data analysis process. The study findings demonstrate that employment opportunities have opened up for female alumni from STAIN/IAIN Samarinda. The majority of alumni secure employment for a period of 6-12 months, and most respondents believe that women have equal opportunities as men to work in public spaces. Factors supporting female alumni from STAIN/IAIN Samarinda in pursuing careers in the public sector include spousal permission for married individuals and familial consent for unmarried individuals. Moreover, economic motives, self-actualization, and social responsibility are additional factors driving women to work in public spaces. Conversely, factors impeding female alumni from STAIN/IAIN Samarinda in working within public spaces encompass religious interpretations, the belief that wives should remain at home, and the perception of domestic duties assigned to women.