ABSTRACT
This conclusion chapter presents some closing thoughts covered in the preceding chapters of this book. Based on the experience of rural Acehnese women, Siapno argues that Acehnese female agency is not articulated in the form of modern, progressive political movements, as often happens with male nationalist movements. The urban and educated women who have become part of local women's movements have actively attempted to reform Islamic law by challenging the religious authorities and local government. Finally, it shows that women's NGOs in Aceh have been able to engage their Islamic and Acehnese identity with a Western framework on women's rights. In doing so, women's NGOs have become the most visible avenue for Acehnese women to exert their agency to challenge the sociopolitical and religious structures. To do so, they need to receive support from both national and international NGO communities.
