Gender Analysis of Indonesia’s Nickel Industry: Why Inclusion Matters
Women in the Morowali region traditionally relied on farming, fishing, and forest-based livelihoods. Industrial expansion has displaced these activities, forcing many women into insecure informal jobs such as cooking for factory workers or cleaning dormitories. These roles lack legal protection and offer little stability. At the same time, environmental degradation and health risks have increased women’s unpaid care workload.
“ "Suddenly, the land we used to cultivate had already been built over with a road or fenced off. We were not informed about this, as such matters are usually handled by men or elders in the community. ” ”
- Housewife A, Morowali region
Access to formal jobs in the nickel industry remains extremely limited for women. Recruitment practices often favor men, and patriarchal norms exclude women from land negotiations and community decision-making. In some cases, women are not even informed when family land is sold to companies. Those who do work in subcontracted roles face poor conditions, long hours, and even harassment—while their voices in trade unions are often marginalized.
Industrial pollution has contaminated water sources, forcing women to travel long distances for clean water. Overcrowded housing, lack of healthcare, and inadequate maternal services add to the strain. Basic needs like safe housing and childcare are increasingly difficult to meet.
“ We no longer use the well or river water because its condition is no longer suitable. After washing, the clothes on the line are covered in black stains from the coal dust. We even have to scrub the dishes again after washing them because the well water feels 'slimy' and oily." ”
- Housewife B, Morowali region
The study calls for a multi-stakeholder response:
The document “Gender Analysis of Indonesia's Nickel Industry”, commissioned by CNV Internationaal, highlights the differentiated impacts of nickel mining and smelting on women and marginalized groups in Morowali and North Morowali, Central Sulawesi. Here’s how trade unions and CNV Internationaal are positioned in this context:
Trade unions are identified as crucial actors in raising awareness about labor rights, gender equality, and environmental justice. They help ensure industrial development remains accountable to affected communities.
Women’s Leadership: The report emphasizes the need for unions to build leadership capacity among women workers, enabling them to participate in decision-making and defend their rights.
Challenges: Despite some women being involved in unions, their voices are often marginalized, and fear of retaliation prevents many from speaking out about violations such as harassment or poor working conditions.
Indonesia’s green transition must be inclusive and rights-based. Without a feminist approach, the nickel boom risks perpetuating the very inequalities it seeks to overcome. Women are not just victims of disruption—they are agents of change. Recognizing this is key to building a fair and sustainable future.
CNV Internationaal is committed to facilitating dialogue between workers, companies, civil society organisations, and governments.
Together, we aim to build a nickel sector that not only powers Europe’s green future but also uplifts the communities at the start of the supply chain.
