Mainstreaming Gender in Accelerating the Reduction of Stunting in Kota Batu

Abstract

Empirically, the study aims to describe and analyze the acceleration of stunting reduction in rural Kota Batu based on a gender mainstreaming perspective (PUG). In figures for 2022, Kota Batu is one of six cities in Indonesia with the highest stunting prevalence of 25.2%. The role of the government in terms of regulations, academics in formulating conceptuality and theory, and the citizen in implementation are elements of active participation in the fight against stunting. In cases of stunting, PUG positions women and men to the same degree. Data is collected through in-depth interviews with families with purposive stunting children, FGDs with stunting management convergence stakeholders, observation, and documentation. The first finding shows that stunting occurs in upper-middle-class families. Second, the lack of involvement of men (fathers) in all stages of activities accelerates the reduction of stunting. Third, a strong patriarchal culture in society and the family causes the domestic role of men in the family to be shallow. Fourth, the dominant cause of stunting is gender inequality, including inappropriate parenting styles, lack of nutritional intake for pregnant women and children, and lack of nutrition knowledge in Kota Batu rural communities.