<![CDATA[This study examines the political representation of Qoidatul Sitta, a woman legislator serving her third consecutive term in the Regional House of Representatives of Cilegon City, amid the dominance of male actors in the legislative arena. As a female member, Qoidatul Sitta also confronts structural and socio-cultural barriers to effective representation. This study employs a qualitative method with a narrative inquiry design grounded in Hanna Pitkin's theory of political representation. Data were collected through observation, in-depth interviews with eleven informants, and documentation. The findings reveal that Qoidatul Sitta's representation across three consecutive terms extends beyond formalistic and symbolic representation, developing into descriptive and substantive representation through her efforts to champion and absorb the aspirations of Cilegon City constituents, particularly in voicing women's issues within the House of Representatives. Her substantive role is evidenced by the successful initiation of two regional regulations on Family Resilience and Gender Mainstreaming as concrete legislative instruments for the protection of women and children. In practical terms, both regulations carry real implications for addressing the persistently high rates of violence against women and children in Cilegon City. This study underscores the importance of substantive representation, particularly the role of critical actors among female legislators in institutions where gender issues are frequently marginalised in policy prioritization.]]>
