A Working Wife: An Islamic Economic Perspective on Women’s Economic Participation in Household and Workforce

Abstract

This research explores and analyzes the role of working wives in Indonesia from an Islamic economic perspective, focusing on their dual economic participation in both the household and the workplace. This research employs a library research design that relies on the collection and analysis of existing data and literature. Islamic teachings emphasize women's essential roles in both family and society, encouraging their participation in education, business, and public life within ethical boundaries. Historically, Islamic law granted women rights such as property ownership and financial independence, as seen in the example of Khadijah, the Prophet Muhammad’s wife. However, patriarchal cultural practices have often limited these rights. Despite this, Islamic economics supports women's economic engagement through principles like adl (justice), maslahah (public welfare), and Khilafah (stewardship), promoting equality and shared responsibility in managing resources. Women in Muslim societies face challenges such as societal norms that prioritize domestic roles, and limiting access to education, employment, and leadership positions. Balancing work and home responsibilities creates a "double burden," compounded by a lack of supportive workplace policies and gender biases in male-dominated industries. To overcome these barriers, comprehensive legal reforms and inclusive policies are necessary. Islamic economic principles offer a framework for women’s empowerment, promoting their involvement in the workforce and entrepreneurship through policies ensuring equal access to education, fair wages, and opportunities. Islamic teachings also support women’s rights to property, inheritance, and financial independence, fostering an inclusive society. These principles guide policies that ensure justice and equity, addressing gender disparities and enabling women to contribute to societal and economic development. In Indonesia, women contribute significantly to household economies through activities like managing finances and running small businesses. In the workforce, women are increasingly active in diverse sectors, though challenges like gender pay gaps and limited leadership representation persist. Islamic economic values guide efforts toward fairness and inclusivity, with organizations supporting women's empowerment through education, microfinance, and vocational training. Holistic empowerment, combining economic, educational, and social well-being, allows women to contribute meaningfully to both family and society. Promoting women’s economic participation in both the household and workforce involves efforts to enable women to actively engage in economic activities in two main areas: the household and the formal workforce. In the household, women contribute by managing finances, caregiving, child-rearing, and running home-based businesses. These contributions should be recognized and supported with resources and opportunities to manage household roles efficiently. In the workforce, women must have equal access to job opportunities, leadership roles, entrepreneurship, and fair wages, requiring the elimination of barriers like gender discrimination, unequal pay, and limited access to leadership positions.