Exploring women’s agricultural role transformation amidst male migration in the traditional cultural context of Simpang Mamplam sub-district

This study examines the transformation of women’s roles in the agricultural sector as an adaptive response to male migration in Simpang Mamplam Subdistrict, Aceh, within the context of a deeply rooted traditional culture. Employing an exploratory qualitative approach, data were collected from 40 farming households using a mixed-format questionnaire comprising both closed-ended questions, which provided simple and structured quantitative insights, and open-ended questions, which captured nuanced perspectives and lived experiences. The findings reveal that the outmigration of men, particularly household heads have compelled women to assume primary responsibilities in agricultural management, including land preparation, planting, and strategic decision-making. However, these changes remain constrained by entrenched gender norms upheld through customary institutions and practices such as Keujruen Blang, Khanduri Blang, and Tabu Bijeh. Women also bear a double workload, balancing agricultural labor with domestic duties, while facing limited access to land, technology, training, and institutional support. Although some have demonstrated increased capacity and economic participation, such developments have yet to dismantle the gender-hierarchical power structures and cultural frameworks that continue to define the gendered division of labor.