PENGLIBATAN GOLONGAN WANITA DALAM BIDANG PEKERJAAN DI TANAH MELAYU, 1920-1970

THE PARTICIPATION OF WOMEN IN THE WORKFORCE IN MALAYA, 1920-1970

Abstract

Artikel ini mengetengahkan kerja-kerja yang berjaya diceburi oleh golongan wanita di Tanah Melayu pada tahun 1920-1970. Wanita pada masa tersebut telah berjaya melibatkan diri dalam bidang pekerjaan secara profesional. Namun, peranan wanita dalam bidang profesional tidak banyak yang ditonjolkan dan dikaji. Walhal, sumbangan mereka penting dalam meningkatkan sumber ekonomi keluarga dan masyarakat pada masa itu. Tumpuan artikel ini memfokuskan kepada kerja-kerja utama yang memperlihatkan wanita yang ramai terlibat dalam bidang profesional di Tanah Melayu. Kajian ini menggunakan pendekatan analisis dokumen ke atas sumber primer seperti fail Federated Malay States, Annual Reports serta rekod-rekod yang diperolehi di Arkib Negara Malaysia. Hasil kajian memperlihatkan bahawa wanita di Tanah Melayu terutamanya kaum Melayu sudah berjaya menjawat jawatan dalam institusi kerajaan yang sebelum ini dimonopoli oleh pegawai British atau pun pihak luar. Pekerjaan wanita di Tanah Melayu sudah mula berubah bermula pada awal abad ke-20 kerana sudah ada pelbagai tokoh yang memperjuangan nasib wanita Melayu. Wanita sudah mula bekerja sebagai guru, jururawat, wartawan, perniagaan tekstil dan kerjaya dalam politik. Berbeza dengan pekerjaan atau pun kegiatan wanita terdahulu sebelum abad ke-20 yang lebih tertumpu kepada aktiviti pertanian dan perniagaan secara kecil-kecilan untuk menyara kehidupan.

Kata kunci: Pekerjaan, wanita, profesion, abad ke-20, Tanah Melayu

Abstract 

This article highlights the work successfully undertaken by women in Malaya in the years 1920-1970. Women at this period have successfully engaged in professional employment. However, the role of women in the professional field is not much highlighted and studied. Indeed, their contributions were important in increasing the economic resources of the family and society at that period of time. This article focuses on the main occupation that shows many women are involved in professional fields in Malaya. This study uses document analysis approach on primary sources such as Federated Malay States files, Annual Reports as well as records obtained from the National Archives of Malaysia. The results of the study show that women in Malaya, especially the Malays, have successfully held positions in government institutions that were previously monopolized by British officials or outside parties. Women's jobs in Malaya have started to change since the beginning of the 20^th century because there have been various figures who have fought for the fate of Malay women. Women have started working as teachers, nurses, journalists, textile intrepreneur and politicians. In contrast to previous women's work or activities before the 20^th century, which were more focused on agricultural activities and small-scale businesses to support life.

Keywords:  workforce, women’s development, profession, the early 20^th century, Malaya