Participation of Women in the Economy in Bidayuh Communities: A Case Study of Bau District

The main focus of this study is to assess the economic role of women in the Bidayuh community. The result shows that Bidayuh women are playing important role in improving socio-economic condition in family. They are concerned about financial management. In order to contribute to family income Bidayuh women involve as entrepreneur for the initial source of income. They involve themselves in fanning and gardening, which assist them to improve their socio-economic status of their family. It is also observed that the Bidayuh women have taken progressive efforts where they manipulate the individual capabilities and natural resources to produce valuable product. This effort is combined with local communities through dynamic cooperation to create economic activity in the district of Bau. In order to contribute to family income Bidayuh women like to involve in business. The effort is starting with the establishment of Bidayuh craft centers to promote the handicrafts as well as to generate income of Bidayuh community. However, women involvement in agriculture and fanning or small-scale business are considered as positive efforts to enhance the family income. Women economic participation could expand their ability to make decisions in the family and would play a key role in the empowerment of rural women in Bidayuh community. This study was conducted in the area of Bau, Sarawak. 5 villages Seropak, Serasot, Suba Buan, Skio, Jugan and Sudoh, which is located below the zone of Serembu, Jagoi, Bratak and Singai as the study area. Respondents in the study consisted of 50 women selected from the study areas. In addition, the in depth interview was conducted for depth information.