Gendered Power and Bureaucratic Governance Decision-Making Inequality in West Sumatra

Abstract

This article examines gendered power relations within the bureaucracy of the Provincial Government of West Sumatra, focusing on the gap between women’s capacity and their access to decision-making authority. Although women constitute the majority of civil servants and possess substantial educational and career capital, they remain underrepresented in strategic positions. This study aims to explain how institutional structures and practices shape unequal access to authority. Using a qualitative case study design, data were collected through in-depth interviews with civil servants across hierarchical levels and analysis of official personnel documents. Thematic analysis identifies patterns of power relations, dependence, and women’s autonomy in decision-making. The findings show that authority is concentrated in senior echelons dominated by men, while women are positioned in administrative and implementation roles. Informal practices, including networks and leadership norms, reinforce restricted access to strategic arenas. As a result, women’s capacity does not translate into influence over policy direction. The study argues that the limits of gender affirmative policies lie in their emphasis on numerical representation as a measure of success. This approach enables compliance without redistributing power. Advancing gender equality requires shifting the focus from representation to authority within bureaucratic systems.