The Femininomenon of Inequality: A Data-Driven Analysis and Cluster Profiling in Indonesia

TL;DR

This paper analyzes regional disparities in gender equality in Indonesia using data-driven clustering and indices, revealing significant differences and the influence of socio-economic factors on gender empowerment and inequality.

Contribution

It introduces a novel regional clustering approach to identify distinct gender profiles and highlights the importance of targeted policies for improving WGE in Indonesia.

Findings

Two distinct regional clusters with contrasting gender profiles identified

Higher empowerment correlates with lower inequality and greater female professional representation

Socio-economic and governance factors significantly influence regional gender dynamics

Abstract

This study addresses the persistent challenges of Workplace Gender Equality (WGE) in Indonesia, examining regional disparities in gender empowerment and inequality through the Gender Empowerment Index (IDG) and Gender Inequality Index (IKG). Despite Indonesia's economic growth and incremental progress in gender equality, as indicated by improvements in the IDG and IKG scores from 2018 to 2023, substantial regional differences remain. Utilizing k-means clustering, the study identifies two distinct clusters of regions with contrasting gender profiles. Cluster 0 includes regions like DKI Jakarta and Central Java, characterized by higher gender empowerment and lower inequality, while Cluster 1 comprises areas such as Papua and North Maluku, where gender disparities are more pronounced. The analysis reveals that local socio-economic conditions and governance frameworks play a critical role in shaping regional gender dynamics. Correlation analyses further demonstrate that higher empowerment is generally associated with lower inequality and greater female representation in professional roles. These findings underscore the importance of targeted, region-specific interventions to promote WGE, addressing both structural and cultural barriers. The insights provided by this study aim to guide policymakers in developing tailored strategies to foster gender equality and enhance women's participation in the workforce across Indonesia's diverse regions.