Conversations With Kakah: The Paradigm of Muslim Women Through Stitches into Creative Art

Abstract

“Kah” is a familiar word that has been heard since childhood in Muslim societies, especially among Muslim girls who are often called with the title “Kah” (Kakah). This word is not only a form of address, but also a reflection of the way of life of Muslim women within the context of religion and social beliefs. This article focuses on studying the paradigm of Muslim women that have changed over time, especially the roles determined by the thought system and beliefs that affect their daily lives in terms of society, culture, and art. This study used the participatory action research process through creative activities that involved exchanging ideas, conversations, and doing art work with 23 research participants who were Muslim women from various communities. The research proceeded through important steps including 1) defining the population and samples, 2) choosing research tools such as interviews and observations and organizing creative workshops, and 3) collecting data and analyzing the results through the “KAKAH” activity that allowed participants to reflect on their perspectives on the role of women in society through the process of embroidery and local arts, which are powerful cultural communication languages.

The study found that providing a safe space for discussion and creation of art allowed Muslim women to reflect deeply on their life stories and social perspectives. It also created awareness of their roles and values in changing contexts. In addition, art acted as a medium to create a balance between traditional culture and contemporary ideas, leading to the development of a flexible way of life that is consistent with the identity of contemporary Muslim women. Therefore, this research is not only a study of the change in the paradigm of Muslim women, but also a guideline for creating a space for communication through art, which can be applied to other contexts to promote community participation in defining the roles and meanings of women’s lives in modern Muslim society.