Tafkir: Interdisciplinary Journal of Islamic Education
Vol. 7 No. 3 (2026): Integrative Islamic Education

Challenges and Strategies of Female Leadership in Faith-Based Higher Education Institutions

Indri Indri (Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta)
Harun Joko Prayitno (Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta)
Ahmad Muhibbin (Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta)
Zukhrofa Rizkiana Ramadhani (Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta)
Ani Syafriati (Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta)
Dwi Purwati (Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta)
Wafa Taqiyya (Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta)
Iswantuti Iswantuti (Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta)



Article Info

Publish Date
03 Apr 2026

Abstract

The landscape of women's leadership within Islamic educational institutions, particularly in the Muhammadiyah community, continues to be shaped by complex challenges rooted in prevailing social norms, cultural expectations, and institutional frameworks that often exhibit gender biases. This context frequently hinders the full realization of female leaders' potential and their contributions to organizational development. This qualitative study, focusing on the leadership of female rectors at Muhammadiyah-Aisyiyah Universities (PTMA), aimed to thoroughly investigate the specific obstacles encountered by these women leaders and to delineate the strategic approaches they employ to effectively navigate and overcome such impediments. Employing an empirical qualitative methodology, data were meticulously gathered through in-depth interviews with prominent women leaders in selected PTMA, complemented by a comprehensive analysis of relevant institutional policies and regulatory documents. The research findings reveal that despite the persistent presence of structural and patriarchal barriers, these female leaders adeptly adopt adaptive leadership strategies. These strategies encompass the crucial strengthening of social networks, fostering highly participatory decision-making processes, and driving significant managerial innovation within their respective institutions. Crucially, these insights underscore the profound significance of women's leadership in Islamic higher education, demonstrating their capacity not only to confront adversity but also to instigate transformative changes in institutional management and substantially enhance educational quality. The implications suggest a robust model for leadership development that integrates adaptive and inclusive practices within faith-based educational settings.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

tijie

Publisher

Subject

Religion Humanities Education Other

Description

Focus. The focus is to provide readers with a better understanding of Islamic education and present developments through the publication of articles. Scope. Study of Al-Quran and Hadith on Education; Philosophy of Islamic Education; History of Islamic Education; Theological Foundation of Education; ...