Kekulalang: Tradition and Women's Agency in Resistance against Patriarchal Domination

This study analyzes the Kekulalang tradition in Kampung Mamokeng, Negeri Tulehu, focusing on the roles and challenges faced by women in a patriarchal context. Kekulalang, as a local tradition, allows women to show their "agency" through active participation in social and cultural activities. However, this tradition also reinforces patriarchal structures that limit women's roles outside the domestic sphere. The research method used is a case study. This study examines how Kekulalang reproduces unbalanced social norms despite having critical cultural values. The solidarity formed among women in Kekulalang symbolizes the strength of the community but also highlights the risks of preserving patriarchal norms. The local cultural perspective shows the importance of appreciating the meaning and value of local traditions without ignoring the struggle for gender equality. This study concludes that a deep understanding of the roles and challenges of women in Kekulalang can drive positive and inclusive change. A balanced approach sensitive to the local cultural context is needed to develop the Kekulalang tradition towards broader gender equality without losing its artistic essence. Thus, women can make a more significant contribution to decision-making and community development so that proper and sustainable gender equality is achieved.