Integrating gender and religion: Social transformation for strengthening identity among Indonesian Muslim Migrant Workers

Abstract

In Indonesia, as the highest Muslim population country worldwide, patriarchy systems are correlated with Islamic norms and values used for controlling human behavior, including the relationships of men and women. Addressing this issues, Muslim women try to expand their capabilities by migrating to Hong Kong as migrant workers. This research aims to study Indonesian Muslim women in Hong Kong based on their gender identity and religious value. A qualitative method was used. Applying purposive samples, research focused on Indonesian migrant workers in Hong Kong who joined a Muslim community. Research found that women’s transformation is strengthened by gender and religion, which used for reinforcing as Muslim Indonesian migrant worker activities and Muslim women community practices among Javanese Muslim women at Hong Kong. Research found that migration roles as a part of Muslim women new value, which is give a flexibility for Muslim women for working abroad as the transformation. In addition, Muslim women transformation in Hong Kong not only interpreted as individual norms but also manifested in collective activities during their leisure time in Hong Kong for strengthening Muslims women identity.