The perspectives of pesantren students (santri) and university students on women's leadership in the public domain (sertifikat hak cipta)

This study examines the perspectives of pesantren students (santri) and university students on women's leadership in the public sphere, focusing on how their educational environments and access to religious texts influence their views. Employing a qualitative and comparative methodology, the research analyzes the understanding of Qur'anic verses, Hadiths, and classical Islamic literature among these two groups. Findings reveal that santri, exposed to both traditional and contemporary Islamic literature, are more open to female leadership, with 54% supporting women as state leaders. In contrast, university students, despite their modern education setting, display higher rejection rates (47%) due to limited theological engagement and reliance on normative beliefs. The study highlights the evolving role of pesantren as inclusive platforms for gender discourse while urging universities to enhance gender literacy and critical discussion. Recommendations include integrating contemporary literature and gender justice principles in both pesantren and university curricula to promote a more inclusive understanding of women's roles in Islam.