Lakon : Jurnal Kajian Sastra dan Budaya
Vol. 14 No. 2 (2025): JURNAL LAKON

` Challenging Gender Inequality through Female Empowerment in Uzma Jalaluddin’s Ayesha at Last

Nayu, Tasya Oktadila (Unknown)
Djohar, Hasnul Insani (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Nov 2025

Abstract

This research explores how gender inequality and resistance are portrayed in Ayesha at Last, a novel by Uzma Jalaluddin. The main character, Ayesha, is a Muslim woman living in Canada who faces social pressure to follow traditional gender roles. Using Mansour Fakih’s theory, the research identifies different forms of gender inequality in Ayesha’s life, such as stereotypes, subordination, symbolic violence, marginalization, and double burden. At the same time, using bell hooks’ theory of feminist empowerment, the research also shows how Ayesha resists these pressures. She expresses her voice, chooses her career, wears the hijab with pride, and makes personal decisions based on her values. The method used is close textual analysis (CTA), focusing on the language and actions in the novel. This research aims to show that even small, everyday choices can be powerful acts of resistance, especially for Muslim women living in diaspora communities. The research contributes to a deeper understanding of how literature can reflect and challenge gender injustice.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

LAKON

Publisher

Subject

Arts Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media

Description

LAKON adalah sebuah jurnal ilmiah yang diterbitkan oleh Magister Kajian Sastra dan Budaya Universitas Airlangga Surabaya. Cetakan pertama terbit pada tahun 2012 dan terbit dua kali dalam setahun sejak tahun 2013. Jurnal peer-review ini juga berfungsi sebagai forum yang menampung berbagai penelitian ...