Thekabarnews.com – Women increasingly become their family’s main breadwinner. While there is a lot of talk about gender equality and economic independence, the truth is that about one in ten working women in Indonesia is currently the main breadwinner in her family. These women do not merely support their families. Instead, they are often the only source of income that keeps the household going.

The number is not small at all. This category today applies to about 14.37% of working women. In reality, this figure suggests that millions of Indonesian women are juggling dual responsibilities at work and home. Most of them did not choose this path due to their desire for success or their belief in feminist ideas. Instead, it was because of money problems.

This change does not usually arise from long-held career goals. Instead, it comes up more commonly out of necessity. Women step up when their husband’s job is insecure or goes away completely. Alternatively, this situation arises when prices increase but salaries remain unchanged. They take on a position that few were ready for: being the family’s main breadwinner in a tough economy.

The Indonesian Statistics Agency (BPS) says that in 2023, almost half of female breadwinners will bring in 90 to 100 percent of the household’s total revenue. They play a crucial role in keeping the lights on and paying the bills. Additionally, they ensure the children continue their education.

But even when they make a lot of money, their home obligations do not get any smaller. You still have to take care of the dishes, laundry, and schoolwork.

This is when the real trouble starts. Even if women’s economic responsibilities have altered a lot, social and cultural expectations have not. Society still sees women as the ones who run the family, no matter how many hours they work outside the home.

Without a corresponding shift in domestic responsibilities, numerous female breadwinners find themselves ensnared in a dual burden. It is an imperceptible weight that depletes both physical and mental resources.

There is another nasty twist. Even when women bring in most of the family’s money, men still make most of the big decisions in the house. While the wife’s money may be more, the husband’s voice may be louder in many homes.

This aspect isn’t about assuming control but about gaining recognition. Having the same amount of money does not guarantee equal power or influence.

The way people think about it makes things worse. Some people still think it is “weird” for women to be the main breadwinners. Sometimes people see a woman who makes more money than her partner as a threat instead of a success story.

For some men, this situation represents a crisis of masculinity, as their pride diminishes when they compare their finances to those of other men. This strain often leads to fights or even violence at home. As a result, the family becomes less of a safe and supportive place.

But it would be wrong to disregard what this trend also means: strength. Women change when things are tough. They do not just fix holes; they take charge of the ship and keep their family going forward. It is not only about the money. It has to do with emotional intelligence, sacrifice, and the bravery to take on a lot of responsibility.

But just admiration is not enough. If this burden keeps going without help, women will stay fatigued heroes—praised but left to fight alone. Governments, companies, and society should treat this shift as a sign that they must rethink how people work and live with their families. Paternity leave, flexible work hours, access to health care, and instruction on shared household duties should be part of a long-term plan.

We should not praise women who become their family’s main breadwinner for doing everything on their own. Society should help them so they do not have to carry everything alone.

This is because female breadwinners are more than just indicators of progress. They are also signs of trouble. They show fights that do not get much attention. And most significantly, they remind us that equality cannot just be about money; it has to include work, power, and respect as well.

Source: PecahTelur

Disclaimer: This essay is just a basic look at being conscious of survival and being ready for a disaster for people to learn from and think about. It is not an academic study or a formal piece of journalism, even if it talks about well-known ideas and sources.