The furniture industry is a business that incorporates a large number of workers. Small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) play an important role in the industry, and any reduction in trade volume has an impact on countless livelihoods. The reverse is also true – that the growth of the industry increases employment and as a result can reduce poverty.
Jepara is the center of Indonesia’s furniture industry, and most of the actors are SMEs. SMEs in Jepara face several challenges related to supply chains, marketing and partnerships with large companies, as well as maximizing the benefits of the Timber Legality Assurance System (SVLK) in enhancing market access at home and abroad.
To facilitate the work of SMEs in Jepara’s furniture industry, the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) is conducting knowledge-sharing activities related to responsible timber industry benefits and increasing capacity of current design knowledge, including the development of market networks.
Focus Group Discussion on Impact Assessment on Gender Aspects in the Furniture Industry
Tuesday, 3 October 2017
Workers in the furniture industry are mostly women, especially in the final processes of sanding and refinement. The livelihoods of small-scale producers and the role of women in the industry needs to be addressed and improved, although there is no simple solution. The situation becomes even more complex because of the interdependence of large-scale producers with SMEs and the interaction of male and female workers.
CIFOR has been working in Jepara to improve the gender balance among furniture industry players. Activities include analyzing preferences and disadvantages received by women in the furniture industry, as well as designing and developing strategies to meet women’s specific needs in order to provide greater benefits. To review the impact of the program and the current situation of the Jepara furniture industry, CIFOR will hold a Focus Group Discussion involving members of the Jepara Small-Scale Furniture Producers Association (APKJ), female workers and associations of businesspersons in the furniture industry.