WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP IN PREVENTING GENDER-BA A CASE STUDY OF THE POS PENGADUAN SEKOLAH PEREMPUAN IN DAUH PURI KAJA VILLAGE, DENPASAR

Abstract

Gender-based violence (GBV) in Indonesia, including Bali, remains prevalent, predominantly within the domestic sphere, with low reporting rates due to social stigma, patriarchal power relations, and limited access to protection services. This study aims to analyze the role of women’s leadership in preventing GBV at the community level, particularly through strengthening the Sekolah Perempuan (Women’s School) Complaint Desk (Pos Pengaduan) in Dauh Puri Kaja Village, Denpasar, Bali. This study employed a qualitative approach with a case study design. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and observations and were analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings indicate that women’s leadership functions as both a primary and secondary prevention agent of GBV by transforming awareness, power relations, and social norms. The Sekolah Perempuan serves as a safe space that strengthens women’s collective courage to recognize and resist gendered violence. Women’s leadership also reinforces the Complaint Desk as a community-based social protection mechanism through the cadre development of women paralegals and building social trust in services. The effectiveness of the Complaint Desk is supported by continuous critical education and cross-sectoral networks but is constrained by women leaders’ double burden, limited resources, social stigma and cultural resistance, and inadequate long-term recovery services. This study confirms that women’s leadership constitutes the core architecture of GBV prevention and social protection systems at the community level in the Philippines. Recommendations emphasize strengthening village policy legitimacy, gender-responsive budgeting, and inclusive and sustainable strategies for social norm changes involving the community.