The role of women in developing a friendly village for Health: Study of local wisdom marsirimpa in North Sumatera Province

Abstract

Objective

This research aimed at studying the role of women in developing friendly village by describing the occupational sharing between women and men, identifying the socio-cultural handicap of women in conducting their roles and the potentially communicative role of women in developing the friendly village.

Methods

The research method employed was a qualitative paradigm with interactive model in four interactive steps: data collection, data condensation, data display and conclusion drawing/verification. This anthropolinguistic approach focussed on the women's performance, indexicality, and participation at Tipang Village, one of the villages in Baktiraja District, Humbang Hasunduta Regency, North Sumatera Province, Lake Toba area. The analytic parameters are interconnection, evaluability, and sustainability.

Results

In developing Tipang to become a friendly village, the occupational sharing between women and men in marsirimpa “mutual cooperation” should be complementary, the participation of women is needed even the patrilineal system is regarded as socio-cultural handicap for women, and women possess potentials to communicate them to local community.

Conclusion

Women play potential roles in developing friendly village based on local wisdom marsirimpa “mutual cooperation” at Tipang Village. The complementary occupational sharing between men and women should be maintained to develop the village. Friendly village will give impact to many health aspects.