<![CDATA[School leadership in public senior high schools remains predominantly administrative and has not fully integrated transformational practices, gender responsiveness, and a value-based organizational culture. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a gender-responsive transformational leadership model using the SWEET LOVE strategy for public senior high schools under the Central Java Provincial Education and Culture Office, Region XI. The study employed a research and development approach using the ADDIE model, comprising analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, questionnaires, observations, document analysis, and expert validation involving school principals, teachers, supervisors, leadership experts, gender experts, and school management practitioners selected purposively. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically, while quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Aiken’s V to determine content validity. The findings revealed that existing leadership practices had not consistently promoted participatory decision-making, teacher empowerment, empathetic communication, and equal opportunities across genders. The resulting model integrated nine leadership values: Spiritual, Wise, Empowering, Empathy, Transformative, Loyalty, Optimism, Visionary, and Equity. Expert assessments and limited field implementation indicated that the model was valid, practical, and applicable in strengthening transformational leadership practices, inclusive organizational communication, collaborative school culture, and gender-equitable participation. The study concludes that the SWEET LOVE strategy provides a contextual and implementable framework for developing humanistic, visionary, and gender-responsive school leadership.]]>
