Menyingkap Kekhasan Pengalaman Perempuan Pekerja Perkebunan

Abstrak Perempuan terlibat dalam berbagai sektor pekerjaan formal maupun informal, tetapi sering dianggap sebagai pekerja kelas dua. Di PT Perkebunan Teh Harum Melati, pengalaman perempuan pekerja jarang dibahas secara mendalam. Dengan menggunakan teori Feminist Standpoint dari Nancy Hartsock, penelitian ini mencoba memahami pengalaman unik perempuan yang bekerja di pabrik teh. Selain menghadapi tantangan di tempat kerja, mereka juga berperan dalam rumah tangga sebagai ibu dan istri, serta dalam komunitasnya. Penelitian kualitatif ini menggunakan metode studi kasus tunggal, dengan pengumpulan data berlangsung sejak Juni hingga Agustus 2023 di pabrik teh dan perumahan karyawan di Simalungun, Sumatera Utara. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pengalaman perempuan di tiga arena kehidupannya (rumah, kerja, dan komunitas) saling terkait dan membentuk pengalaman khas. Pengalaman bekerja bertahun-tahun meningkatkan rasa percaya diri dan keberanian mereka dalam merencanakan masa depan. Kekuatan mereka juga didukung oleh hubungan keluarga dan pertemanan. Kata Kunci : pekerja perempuan, pengalaman, keluarga, tempat kerja Abstract Women are involved in various sectors of both formal and informal work, but they are often regarded as second-class workers. At PT Perkebunan Teh Harum Melati, the experiences of female workers are rarely explored in depth. By using Nancy Hartsock's Feminist Standpoint theory, this study seeks to understand the unique experiences of women working in the tea factory. In addition to facing challenges at work, they also play roles at home as mothers and wives, as well as within their communities. This qualitative study employs a single case study method, with data collection conducted from June to August 2023 at the tea factory and employee housing in Simalungun, North Sumatra. The findings show that women's experiences across the three spheres of life (home, work, and community) are interconnected and shape a distinctive experience. Years of work experience have enhanced their self-confidence and courage in planning for the future. Their strength is also supported by family and social relationships. Keywords: working women, experiences, family, workplace