THE ROLE AND POTENTIAL OF FEMALE HEADS OF HOUSEHOLDS IN STRENGTHENING FAMILY ECONOMICS: A CASE STUDY OF PEKKA IN PALEMBANG CITY

Abstract

Female heads of households face significant economic responsibilities in meeting their families' needs, while limitations in education, business capacity, income, and access to resources can hinder economic independence. This study aims to analyze the roles and potential of female heads of households who are members of PEKKA in strengthening family economies; identify factors supporting and inhibiting economic independence through MSMEs; and analyze the synergy model involving PEKKA, BAZNAS Palembang City, and the South Sumatra Province Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Agency (Dinas PPPA). The study employs a qualitative approach with a case study design. Data were gathered through observation, interviews, documentation, and community records concerning 320 PEKKA members, and subsequently analyzed descriptively through data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The results indicate that 146 members (approximately 45.6%) operate MSMEs—primarily in the culinary and beverage sectors—with average monthly incomes ranging from IDR 800,000 to IDR 1,000,000. This potential highlights the role of women as economic actors within the family, yet they still face constraints regarding business development, capacity, and resource access. A total of 56 women who are economically independent but non-productive—predominantly elderly widows—require a social protection approach. The study recommends a synergy model based on productivity differentiation: strengthening MSMEs for productive women and providing social protection for non-productive women through collaboration between PEKKA, BAZNAS, and the Dinas PPPA.