The Effect of Development Interventions on Power Relations in the Villages of Les and Penuktukan 

Nazrina Zuryani and Terry Leahy

Research program: Globalisation and International Development

The research investigates the effect of development interventions on the empowerment of community and women in eight different community groups in the villages of Les and Penuktukan in Northern Bali. It compares groups set up on the initiative of a EU-managed development project with that of other local women’s groups. This almost completed PhD study, supported by an AUSAID scholarship, analyses the limits of the empowerment achieved as well as the pervasive presence of patriarchy.  A key finding is that a deeper account should be taken of ecological and socio-cultural factors and mechanisms, instead of solely focusing on the economic side of development. At the decision making level, procedures should be arise out of community consultation, allowing participation not only of the rich and educated, but also of the poor and less privileged, men and women alike.