A creative economy approach to women’s empowerment for poverty reduction and the prevention of human trafficking in remote areas of Asahan

Author: Zulyadi, Rizkan; Sugito, Sugito; Syahputri, Yuni; Lubis, Adelina; Effendi, Ihsan & Rosalina, Dhian

Abstract: This study examines the influence of poverty (POV), infrastructure (INF), and governance (GOV) on women’s economic empowerment (MAN) and their effect on potential development (POT) within the context of women’s empowerment through creative economy initiatives in Asahan Regency. The research adopts a quantitative approach using structural equation modeling (SEM) with LISREL and data collected from respondents participating in community-based empowerment programs. The results show that all direct relationships in the model are statistically significant, with t-values greater than 1.96 and p-values less than 0.05. Specifically, POV, INF, and GOV have positive and significant effects on MAN, and MAN has a positive effect on POT. Among these factors, GOV has the strongest influence on MAN, highlighting the importance of transparent, accountable, and effective governance in strengthening management capacity. The findings also indicate that better economic conditions, adequate infrastructure, and good governance can jointly enhance management capacity and support the optimal use of local creative economy potential. These results are consistent with empowerment theory, which emphasizes control over resources and decision-making ability as key factors for improving individual and community well-being. From a practical perspective, this study suggests that an integrated strategy combining economic development, infrastructure improvement, and governance reform can help prevent human trafficking in vulnerable areas. The proposed model provides a strategic framework for policymakers, NGOs, and other stakeholders to design participatory, sustainable, and locally based empowerment programs that not only increase income but also strengthen social resilience.

Keywords: women’s economic empowerment, creativity-based economy, poverty issues, human trafficking, isolated areas