Uncovering Women’s Empowerment in The Ecotourism Sector for Sustainable Livelihood – Case Study of Candirejo Village Cooperative System

Tourism and creative economy sectors as one of the fastest-growing industries in Indonesia are currently dominated by women workers. These sectors continue to encourage the number of tourism villages and increase job creation. The role of women in tourism village needs to be optimized as basic resources in creating sustainable livelihood. This study aims to determine women’s empowerment strategies as part of the development of Candirejo tourism village. This research uses a descriptive method with a case study approach. Data was collected through in-depth interviews with 10 women who worked in the Candirejo tourism village including cooperative officers and business partners. The data analysis process includes reduction, display, and conclusions. The research results show that women’s empowerment strategies in the Candirejo tourism village are carried out through involvement in various productive businesses such as local guides, homestays, home industry (foods and crafts), and traditional arts. Women’s empowerment in the tourism village cooperative system consists of ecotourism training, coaching, and optimizing the green marketing of partners’ products. The conclusion is that the empowerment strategy carried out by the Candirejo tourism village cooperative system has built women’s independence from the economic perspective of an ecotourism framework to support sustainable livelihood for their future and community.