<![CDATA[Marginalized women in Makassar continue to face structural vulnerabilities shaped by poverty, patriarchal norms, agrarian and coastal conflicts, and the weak implementation of gender-responsive policies. This study aimed to examine the role of Solidaritas Perempuan Anging Mammiri (SPAM) in empowering marginalized women in Makassar and to identify the factors supporting its empowerment efforts. A descriptive qualitative approach was employed at the SPAM office in Makassar. Participants were purposively selected and consisted of the organization’s chairperson, program coordinator, and two members of assisted communities. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews, direct observation, and document review. The data were analyzed using the interactive model of Miles and Huberman, consisting of data collection, data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing or verification. The findings showed that SPAM empowered marginalized women through three interrelated strategies: political education, capacity-building training, and sustained advocacy and accompaniment. These strategies strengthened women’s access, participation, control, and benefits, including increased confidence in asserting their rights and greater involvement in household and community decision-making. However, family restrictions, patriarchal community norms, and weak policy implementation remained significant barriers. Legal instruments, partnerships with allied NGOs, government facilitation, and support from communities and families strengthened SPAM’s empowerment efforts. The study concluded that SPAM played a substantive role in advancing women’s empowerment through integrated educational, economic, and advocacy-based interventions.]]>
