This study is part of a 2014-2020 longitudinal study series that aims to study the lives of poor women across five themes, namely access to social protection, employment, women migrant workers, maternal and reproductive health, and violence against women (specifically domestic violence). By studying the lives of poor women in five districts in Indonesia (Deli Serdang, Cilacap, Timor Tengah Selatan, Kubu Raya, and Pangkajene and its archipelago), this study developed a preliminary picture of the lives of poor women in relation to the five themes.

The access of FHF to government social protection programs in general is lower than that of MHF. Meanwhile, the choice of employment for poor women is affected by local natural resources, the economic activity of their place of residence, and their education level. Women migrant workers generally work in the informal sector that do not require special education and skills, and these women have a weak legal position that puts them in a vulnerable position which leads to the violation of their rights and harassment by employers.

Poor women’s understanding of maternal and reproductive health is highly influenced by their level of education and also the availability of public facilities. Study area communities still have low awareness in regards to violence act against women, and domestic violence is still a taboo issue to discuss; thus, reporting levels are still low. A thorough understanding of the characteristics of women’s poverty and FHF is the key to design a social protection agenda that is able to alleviate poverty among women.