The Roles of Women in the Iban Ensera

Abstract

Ensera is a literary work of the Iban people that contains the values of the community in ancient times. It was initially created as entertainment, passed down orally from person to person using the Iban language. Women have a specific roles, dignity, and image as depicted in the ensera. This article aims to examine the roles of women in “Ensera Iban”. The study employed qualitative methods specifically Text Analysis Method, Library Research Method and interview to unravel and analyze the roles of women in Ensera Iban. The study also examines the roles of women through thematic and sociological approaches. Four Iban Ensera were chosen on namely “Ensera Ayor”, “Kumang Betelu”, “Kumang Ngiga Lintum” and “Wat Lamba”. The findings show that women indeed play a very important role in Iban Ensera. This roles is divided into three parts; first, the responsibilities and duties of Iban women as well as the function and contribution of Iban women. It is shown that all categories of women in these Iban Ensera, including girls, mothers, and grandmothers, play their respective roles in daily life, during festivals, for the community, and within the family institution. The findings of this study are expected to contribute significantly to the enrichment of scholarly resources related to women and ensera. This research not only broadens the academic discussion on gender representation in Iban oral literature but also encourages further exploration of linguistic and cultural diversity within the Iban language of Sarawak. Ultimately, it supports the preservation and continuity of Iban literary heritage while inspiring more researchers to engage in studies that highlight the richness and uniqueness of indigenous languages and traditions.