Crafting Futures: Sustainable Handicraft Livelihoods and Empowerment among Orang Asli Women in Malaysia

Abstract

Indigenous women contribute significantly to household survival and community resilience through traditional livelihood practices, yet their economic roles remain underrepresented in development research and policy. This study examines how handicraft production supports sustainable livelihoods and women’s empowerment among Orang Asli women in Malaysia. Adopting a qualitative research design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight Orang Asli women who are actively involved in handicraft-making within their communities. The interviews explored participants’ livelihood experiences, income generation, skill transmission, perceived benefits, and challenges associated with sustaining handicraft activities. Data were analysed using thematic analysis to identify key patterns and meanings. The findings indicate that handicraft-based activities function as an important source of supplementary income, contributing to household economic stability while enabling women to maintain cultural traditions and indigenous knowledge. Participation in handicraft production enhanced women’s sense of self-worth, financial autonomy, and involvement in household decision-making, reflecting multiple dimensions of empowerment. However, participants also reported persistent structural constraints, including limited access to markets, inconsistent demand, inadequate financial and institutional support, and challenges related to raw materials and production capacity. Despite these limitations, Orang Asli women demonstrated resilience and adaptability by combining traditional skills with informal livelihood strategies. This study contributes to the growing body of literature on indigenous women’s livelihoods by providing context-specific insights into the lived experiences of Orang Asli women in Malaysia. The findings offer important implications for inclusive development initiatives and policy interventions aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). Strengthening support for handicraft-based livelihoods can enhance sustainable and equitable development outcomes for indigenous women.