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Abstract

In Southeast Asia, the cheap labor market is frequently mentioned as one of the comparative advantages that drive growth in the economy. However, this market frequently employs harmful labour practices against female workers. This study investigates the intersection of gender, labour practices, and economic advantages in the region, concentrating on the obstacles and protective measures for female workers. The key objective of this study is to examine how female workers are protected in Southeast Asia's low-wage labour markets, as well as to assess the effectiveness of these safeguards in preventing exploitation and improving working conditions. This study uses a comparative analytical approach to assess different Southeast Asian countries' policies and practices regarding female workers in the labor market. It evaluates legal frameworks, enforcement procedures and the role of international organizations to advocate workers' rights. Data is collected using qualitative methods such as examining policy documents, and journal articles, and assessing labour market statistics. The data show a considerable gap in the protection of female workers throughout Southeast Asia. While some countries such as the Philippines, Malaysia, and Vietnam have adopted successful regulations and programmes, others have significant gaps in enforcement protection. The study emphasizes the need for stronger legal frameworks and enhanced implementation to guarantee that female workers advantage from the region's economic opportunities without being exploited or abused.

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Bahasa Abstract

Abstrak

Di Asia Tenggara, pasar tenaga kerja berupah rendah (cheap labor market) sering dilihat sebagai bagian dari keunggulan komparatif (comparative advantage) yang mendorong pertumbuhan ekonomi. Namun, keadaan pasar ini sering kali melibatkan praktik ketenagakerjaan yang merugikan pekerja perempuan. Studi ini mengkaji titik temu antara gender, praktik ketenagakerjaan, dan keuntungan ekonomi di wilayah Asia Tenggara, dengan fokus pada tantangan dan upaya perlindungan bagi pekerja perempuan. Tujuan utama dari penelitian ini adalah untuk menganalisis bagaimana pekerja perempuan dilindungi dalam konteks pasar tenaga kerja berupah rendah di Asia Tenggara dan menilai efektivitas perlindungan tersebut dalam mengurangi eksploitasi dan memperbaiki kondisi kerja. Studi ini menggunakan pendekatan analisis komparatif, yang mengevaluasi kebijakan dan praktik berbagai negara di Asia Tenggara terkait pekerja perempuan di pasar tenaga kerja. Studi ini menilai kerangka hukum, mekanisme penegakan hukum, dan peran organisasi internasional dalam mengadvokasi hak-hak pekerja. Data dikumpulkan melalui metode kualitatif termasuk meninjau dokumen kebijakan, artikel jurnal, dan menganalisis statistik pasar tenaga kerja. Temuan ini mengungkapkan adanya kesenjangan yang signifikan dalam perlindungan pekerja perempuan di seluruh Asia Tenggara. Meskipun beberapa negara telah menerapkan kebijakan dan program yang efektif, negara-negara lain menunjukkan kesenjangan yang cukup besar dalam hal perlindungan penegakan hukum. Penelitian ini menyoroti perlunya kerangka peraturan yang lebih kuat dan implementasi yang lebih baik untuk memastikan bahwa pekerja perempuan mendapatkan keuntungan ekonomi di kawasan ini tanpa menghadapi eksploitasi dan pelecehan.

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