Liyamin (Secluded Princess) Vis-à-Vis Women Empowerment in the Meranaw Society: A Multi Case Study

Özet

This qualitative study investigates the narratives surrounding liyamin (secluded princess) within Meranaw society, with a specific focus on its implications for women's empowerment. The term liyamin, derived from the Meranaw word lumun—meaning “to conceal” or “to keep hidden”—refers to the traditional seclusion of royal women for the purposes of education and personal development. Through this cultural lens, the research argues that Meranaw women exercised forms of empowerment well before the advent of Islam, occupying significant cultural, social, and proto-religious roles. Rather than a tool of oppression, seclusion was a mechanism for cultivating strength, wisdom, and leadership among elite women. Utilizing a historical qualitative methodology, this study draws on a combination of oral history and semi-structured interviews conducted both in person and online. The research was conducted in Lanao del Sur, Philippines, and involved fifty participants selected based on criteria such as age, ethnicity, and social status to ensure a diverse range of perspectives. Data were collected through individual interviews and focus group discussions. This methodological approach enabled the exploration of the symbolic and practical significance of liyamin, including its historical role in shaping gender norms and the sociopolitical functions of women in Meranaw communities. Findings reveal that Meranaw women historically experienced forms of empowerment that preceded and, in some cases, coexisted with Islamic influences, which later transformed certain cultural practices. These women accessed comprehensive education, played influential roles in community affairs, and demonstrated leadership that contributed to a lasting legacy of female agency. The study further emphasizes the importance of continued discourse on women’s empowerment across political, social, and educational spheres. Preserving traditional practices—such as conflict resolution led by women—not only safeguards cultural identity but also enhances women’s leadership roles in society. Ultimately, the study calls for a balanced approach that respects cultural heritage while advancing gender equity, suggesting that tradition and progress need not be mutually exclusive but can be harmoniously integrated in the pursuit of an inclusive and forward-looking society.