Women’s Environmental Stewardship in a Matrilineal Society: The Role of Bundo Kanduang in Green Economy Development

Abstract Background The transition toward a sustainable green economy requires inclusive community participation, particularly women’s involvement in environmental and socio-economic governance. In the Minangkabau matrilineal society of West Sumatra, Indonesia, Bundo Kanduang represents women’s cultural authority and social leadership within family and community structures. Despite increasing global attention to gender and sustainability, few studies have examined how indigenous matrilineal values contribute to environmental stewardship and the development of a green economy in local communities. This study explores the multidimensional role of Bundo Kanduang in supporting sustainable development practices within Minangkabau society. Methods This study employed a qualitative research design using narrative interviews with 98 married Minangkabau women aged 25–45 years residing in Lubuk Minturun Village, Koto Tangah District, Padang City, West Sumatra, Indonesia. Data were analyzed thematically to identify women’s contributions across household economic activities, social participation, and environmental management practices within the context of green economy development. Results The findings reveal that Bundo Kanduang plays a significant role in promoting sustainable household economies through adaptive income-generating activities and resource management practices. Participants also demonstrated active engagement in community-based social initiatives and environmental stewardship, including waste management, coastal environmental preservation, and the transmission of ecological values within families and communities. The integration of matrilineal cultural values into women’s environmental leadership strengthens community resilience and supports localized green-economy practices. Study Limitations This study has several limitations. First, it was conducted as a qualitative single-case study in Lubuk Minturun Village, Padang City; therefore, the findings are context-specific and should not be interpreted as statistically representative of all Minangkabau women or matrilineal communities in Indonesia. Second, the study relies substantially on participants’ narratives and interpretations of their everyday economic, social, cultural, and environmental practices, which may be influenced by recall and social desirability. Third, although interviews, questionnaire-guided qualitative prompts, observations, community discussions, and documentary materials were used to strengthen triangulation, the study does not quantitatively measure the environmental or economic outcomes associated with the reported practices. Consequently, the findings demonstrate culturally embedded practices that are consistent with principles of environmental stewardship and green economy development rather than establishing a causal effect of Bundo Kanduang on green economy outcomes. The single-site design and purposive qualitative focus also limit transferability beyond the study setting. Future research could employ comparative and mixed-method designs across multiple Minangkabau communities to examine the transferability of these findings and quantitatively assess their socio-economic and environmental implications. Conclusion This study highlights the potential contribution of indigenous women’s leadership to sustainable development and locally grounded green economy practices. Within the study setting, the findings show how matrilineal cultural practices are associated with environmental stewardship and socio-economic resilience. The study contributes context-specific evidence to discussions on gender-inclusive sustainability and offers practical considerations for policymakers, development practitioners, and researchers seeking culturally grounded approaches to women’s participation and sustainable community development. These findings should not be generalized beyond comparable contexts without further research.