MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, YOGYAKARTA – Universitas ‘Aisyiyah (UNISA) Yogyakarta celebrated a landmark achievement on Saturday, December 16, 2023, with the inauguration of Prof. Dr. Mufdlilah, S.SiT., M.Sc. as the first female professor of midwifery in Indonesia. This momentous occasion was marked by a public lecture and a ceremony attended by 500 guests, including academics, university officials, and Mufdlilah’s family.
Beyond her groundbreaking title, Mufdlilah also holds the distinction of being UNISA Yogyakarta’s first-ever professor, paving the way for future academic advancements within the institution. The official Letter of Appointment (SK) was conferred by the Head of the Higher Education Service Institution (LLDIKTI) Region V two months prior.
The inaugural ceremony, held at the Convention Hall of Masjid Walidah Dahlan of UNISA Yogyakata, resonated with an air of pride and inspiration. Salmah Orbayinah, the President of ‘Aisyiyah lauded Mufdlilah’s dedication and resilience, emphasizing the arduous journey to attain professorship in midwifery, particularly from a vocational education background. She further highlighted Mufdlilah’s unwavering commitment, evident since her early involvement in the Ikatan Pelajar Muhammadiyah (IPM), a Muhammadiyah student organization, and her longstanding service within ‘Aisyiyah, all while excelling in her academic pursuits.
“Through her immense dedication to ‘Aisyiyah, Prof. Mufdlilah has continually fostered academic excellence at UNISA Yogyakarta. In fact, her unwavering commitment has paved the way for her own remarkable academic journey, culminating in this unprecedented achievement,” remarked Salmah.
Echoing these sentiments, UNISA Yogyakarta Rector Dr. Warsiti, S.Kp., M.Kep., Sp.Mat., expressed profound gratitude for Mufdlilah’s historical accomplishment. She expressed her fervent hope that this milestone will serve as a beacon of inspiration for the entire UNISA academic community, fueling a collective drive for academic excellence.
“This momentous occasion transcends individual achievement,” Dr. Warsiti stated. “It stands as a testament to the transformative power of commitment and perseverance, and we hope it will ignite a spirit of innovation within UNISA, leading to the creation of impactful research and contributions to society.”
Prof. Dr. Mufdlilah’s inauguration signifies a watershed moment for women in Indonesia’s academic landscape. Her exceptional journey serves as a powerful inspiration for future generations of scholars, demonstrating that dedication, unwavering commitment, and impactful work can lead to groundbreaking achievements, irrespective of gender or background. With Mufdlilah’s remarkable accomplishment paving the way, we can witness a transformative shift in academia, fostering diversity and inclusivity while propelling knowledge creation and scientific advancement within Indonesia and beyond.
