Amplifying silent voices: a qualitative study of female Islamic boarding school leaders’ (Nyai) perspectives on preventing gender-based violence in Indonesia

Gender-based violence in educational settings persists across Southeast Asia, yet the perspectives of female religious leaders within Indonesia’s Islamic boarding schools ( pesantren ) remain largely absent from scholarly discourse. This qualitative study centres the voices of Nyai , female pesantren leaders, through in-depth interviews with four Nyai from different institutions across Java. Drawing on Keadilan Hakiki Perempuan (Women’s Authentic Justice), feminist institutionalism, and preventive socialisation theory, thematic analysis reveals six key themes: theological foundations grounded in Maqashid Shariah ; daily practices cultivating respect through classical texts; identification of structural risks including power imbalances and surveillance gaps; reimagining power relations through love-based obedience; challenges encompassing toxic seniority and intergenerational tensions; and visions for pesantren as peace laboratories. The inclusion of a younger-generation Nyai illuminates generational shifts in approaching prevention, including internal resistance and strategic reform initiatives. This study demonstrates that Nyai articulate prevention approaches representing indigenous Islamic feminism, offering authentically local resources for addressing gender-based violence while maintaining fidelity to Islamic tradition. The findings contribute to understanding how female religious leaders in Asian contexts navigate tradition and transformation to protect those entrusted to their care.