Gender Equality in Development: Towards Women’s Empowerment in Sumbawa Regency

In the development process, gender is often ignored because there is an assumption that women are a weak group and play a less active role in the development process. Whereas the potential that exists in women is very large, it has just not been explored to the fullest so that there needs to be special attention from various parties, especially the regional government in the development and empowerment of women in Sumbawa Regency. The purpose of this research is to explore the potential that can be developed in women and formulate forms of empowerment that can be developed in the regional development programme in Sumbawa Regency. This research uses a qualitative method with research targets or informants, namely individual women, community leaders and local governments. Determination of informants using purposive sampling technique. Gender equality in development towards women's empowerment in Sumbawa Regency can be achieved by conducting awareness and education, monitoring and assessment, women's involvement and participation, strengthening women's economy, preventing gender violence, access to health services, strengthening capacity, changing patriarchal norms and culture, progressive policies and laws as well as collaboration and partnerships.