An-Nisa’ Journal of Gender Studies
Vol. 18 No. 1 (2025): An-Nisa' Journal of Gender Studies

Nyai leadership: The role of women in maintaining the tradition of santri literacy in islamic boarding schools

Herlina Herlina (Pandiva Books, Bantul, Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia)
Munawara Munawara (Universitas Hasyim Asy'
ari Tebuireng Jombang, East Java, Indonesia)

Irmak Sude Gurel (Necmettin Erbakan University Konya, Turkiye)



Article Info

Publish Date
29 Jun 2025

Abstract

Although pesantren have a long-standing literacy tradition, the role of women’s leadership in sustaining santri literacy is often overlooked. Limited recognition of female leaders’ influence constrains understanding of how visionary and participative leadership fosters motivation, literacy practices, and the integration of cultural, institutional, and pedagogical aspects in pesantren. This study aims to understand Bu Nyai’s leadership in promoting santri literacy at Pesantren Annuqayah, exploring motivational strategies, literacy routines, and leadership innovations that cultivate a literacy culture, as well as the supporting factors for their success. A qualitative phenomenological approach was employed, collecting data through interviews, observation, and documentation, analyzed thematically with triangulation of sources, methods, and time to ensure credibility, capture subjective experiences, and relate findings to female leadership theory. Results indicate that Bu Nyai’s visionary, transformational, and participative leadership plays a central role in building a sustainable literacy culture and developing santri character. Institutional interaction, pedagogical practices, and social support create an adaptive literacy ecosystem. Literacy emerges as social, cultural, and professional capital gained through women’s leadership as agents of institutional transformation. The findings confirm that visionary and participative female leadership can promote sustainable literacy, strengthen santri character, and serve as a model for policy, pedagogical practice, and literacy ecosystem development in pesantren.

Copyrights © 2025






Journal Info

Abbrev

annisa

Publisher

Subject

Religion Social Sciences

Description

An-Nisa’ Journal of Gender Studies focuses on contemporary issues in the field of gender studies within Muslim societies and global contexts, which specified as follows: - Gender, Violence, and Social Justice - Gender in Islamic Education and Religious Discourse - Gender, Culture, and Ecofeminism ...