Negotiating Communication in Work Relationships: The Experiences of Woman Fishmongers in Lewoleba City

Working in the public sphere while carrying domestic responsibilities is a burden for women fishmongers. The lack of support from their husbands and the high level of competition require negotiation skills to gain acceptance from the work environment. This qualitative research aims to construct the way women fishmongers negotiate. The results of in-depth interviews and observations with ten women fishmongers in Lewoleba city were analyzed using Miles and Huberman's interactive model. Accommodative strategies were found in relationships with husbands. Meanwhile, with fellow female fishmongers, they apply an avoidance strategy. Relationships are prioritized in negotiations. Revitalization of women's empowerment can be done by directing advocacy not only on skills training, fisheries work facilities and infrastructure. The state and organizations that conduct advocacy can start focusing on women's relationships. In relationships, there is a perspective of women about their daily work, which is relevant to improve the quality of empowerment.