Abstract
Women engaged in marine product processing play a crucial role in the national fisheries value chain, yet this strategic contribution has not been matched with formal recognition, access to resources, or decent welfare levels. This study aims to analyze the influence of religiosity and social factors on the empowerment and welfare of marine product processing women at the National Fisheries Port (PPN) Karangantu, Serang City, Banten, as well as to formulate a development strategy based on the synergy of these two factors. This research employs a mixed-methods approach with a sequential explanatory design, combining quantitative methods through PLS-SEM analysis on 235 respondents, and qualitative methods through in-depth interviews and Focus Group Discussions (FGD). The results show that religiosity and social factors have a positive and significant effect on women’s empowerment, which in turn impacts welfare improvement across economic, social, and psychological dimensions. Findings also reveal that religious values which currently focus mainly on ritual aspects, alongside patriarchal social norms, serve as key barriers; meanwhile, community support and the integration of religious values into economic activities act as major reinforcing factors. Based on SWOT analysis, this study proposes strategies for strengthening local value-based institutions, integrating empowerment programs with religious activities, and advocating for policies that support coastal women. This research contributes new insights by presenting an integrated model of religiosity and social dimensions in the empowerment of women in the fisheries sector, an area that has not been widely explored in previous studies.
