Strengthening Interest Groups in Empowering Women in the Coastal Area of Makassar City

This study examines the empowerment of women and ex-prostitutes carried out by the interest group. This study explores the empowerment carried out by interest groups through work programs and various government linkages in the empowerment carried out by interest groups. The research took place in Makassar City. The research was qualitative with a phenomenological approach, in which primary data was obtained through observation and in-depth interviews, while secondary data came from various literature, supporting documentation and archives to strengthen primary data. Data were in words and spoken words from the observed research subjects. We employed the theory of civil society, feminism theory, interest group theory, and self-esteem theory. The results of this study indicate that interest groups have control over the empowerment and identity of women, especially former prostitutes. The work program and activities carried out can provide experience and learning materials for former prostitutes regarding several aspects of life such as inculcating morality and helping the community in increasing self-potential, providing guidance and empowerment of former disabled women, conducting counseling, and building strength with legally aid institutions. The government's involvement dealt with providing legal certainty as a social service.