Challenging Gender Stereotypes About Women's Leadership In A Perspective Of New Public Leadership In Banyuwangi Village, Gresik

Abstract

This research is motivated by the persistent gender stereotypes in rural communities that often question women’s capacity as leaders, creating a need to examine how female village heads practice modern public leadership. The study aims to analyze the application of New Public Leadership (NPL), the role of network management, and the creation of public value within female leadership in Banyuwangi Village, Gresik. Using a qualitative method through in-depth interviews and thematic analysis, the findings show that the female village head successfully implements NPL principles through open communication, transparency, responsiveness, and cross-actor collaboration that fosters adaptive work networks and tangible public value. However, uneven community participation, residual gender bias, and bureaucratic burdens remain challenges that affect leadership effectiveness. The study concludes that the success of female leadership not only breaks gender stereotypes but also offers a model of collaborative leadership at the village level. Practical implications highlight the need to strengthen public literacy, improve the capacity of village apparatus, and enhance participatory mechanisms to reinforce the implementation of NPL and promote more inclusive and responsive village governance