Abstract

Urban farming activities are one of the alternative solutions to realizing food security in urban areas. In Bandung City, which has been identified as experiencing a deficit of basic foodstuffs, the communities accommodate urban farming activities in a Buruan SAE program. Daily, this community becomes a means for women to fulfill food availability for their families and communities. Therefore, this article discusses the role of women in realizing food security in Bandung City through the Buruan SAE community. Qualitative research methods were employed using a case study model on six Buruan SAE communities in Bandung City, Indonesia. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, participant observation, and document analysis. Thematic analysis was applied using gender and food security concepts. The results showed two leading roles of women in realizing food security: (1) initiating community formation; and (2) conducting urban farming activities. The division of labor system of community members shows the consistency of gender ideology practices. Female members are directed to feminine work, and male members, to masculine work. However, these roles are flexible, as they are interchangeable. The allocation of work time for community members also shows the consistency of the natural roles of men in the productive sphere and women in the reproductive sphere. Men and women are equally involved in the community, but men tend to have greater freedom than women, who are bound by the double burden. The community provides reciprocity to members and the surrounding community, both in material and non-material forms, that support fulfilling family food needs.