Abstract:

Like many other women who live in a patriarchal society, the indigenous women of Papua do not have many opportunities to take part in the development process. Their traditionally low status in the tribal hierarchy and poor education make them second-class members of society who have to occupy themselves with food and children, and serve their husbands. While some indigenous women have engaged in agricultural business, their poor educational levels hinder them from improving their businesses and generating income. Most women, for example, do not even know the value of the vegetables they sell from their gardens and are thus unable to set reasonable prices.