Understanding the Complexities of Sarawak Women’s Social Participation in Non-Governmental Organizations

Abstract

Objective - The purpose of this study is to gain an understanding of the issues that prevent women from socially participating in NGOs. Methodology/Technique – Qualitative research using in-depth interviews was used to collect relevant data. The findings were analyzed using a thematic analysis approach and discussed within the theoretical framework of social participation. In response to the nature of women’s social participation in Sarawak, the researchers highlighted long, critical answers and discussions by 36 selected participants from various NGOs in Sarawak. Finding –There were four difficulties for Sarawak women’s social participation in NGOs identified in this study. The factors were practical deterrents, a psychological barrier, discrimination and prejudice, and lack of resources. The impeding factors which were grouped in these four categories comprised 16 factors. This study hoped to help the stakeholders develop different strategies for assisting women to be more aware and active in a civil-based society. Novelty –The study highlighted the complex factors of Sarawak women’s social participation in NGOs. These factors show different perspectives on the subject investigation in Sarawak, Malaysia. Furthermore, the adapted qualitative method conducted in this paper is further discussed regarding the complex factors of Sarawak women’s social participation in NGOs. There are many studies conducted exploring political participation. However, studies on social participation that focused on NGOs that are not politically based are very low. Type of Paper: Empirical JEL Classification: D71, D73, Z19. Keywords: Non-governmental organizations; Social Participation; complexities; Sarawak’s Women. Reference to this paper should be referred to as follows: Mahmud, N.B.M; Isnin, N.I; Junaidi, N.H.B; Mahrif, N.B. (2022). Understanding the Complexities of Sarawak Women’s Social Participation in Non-Governmental Organizations, GATR-Global J. Bus. Soc. Sci. Review, 10(3), 114–120. https://doi.org/10.35609/gjbssr.2022.10.3(1)