EN.MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, BANTEN – The Central Board of Muhammadiyah Student Association (PP IPM), through its Gender Mainstreaming Division, held the Women Empowerment Camp (WEC), bringing together 35 outstanding delegates from regional branches at the Banten Provincial Quality Assurance Center (BPMP) on Friday (6/11).
The WEC carries the theme “Phenomenon of Children Having Children and the Tradition of Female Genital Mutilation.” The theme aligns with the division’s focus on raising awareness and promoting prevention measures against female genital mutilation (FGM) and child marriage.
Building Awareness of Women’s Rights and Protection
The President of PP IPM, Dany Rahmat Muharram, emphasized that IPM views gender mainstreaming as more than just a slogan. Rather, it is an ideological commitment to eliminating the oppression of women.
“We see gender mainstreaming not merely as a slogan, but as an ideological effort to dismantle all forms of oppression, marginalization, and restrictions on people’s potential based on gender,” he said.
Dany also called on cadres to take collective action to challenge stereotypes surrounding women’s participation in public life.
“Fellow female IPM cadres, you are not merely supporting figures displayed in the organization’s showcase. Women have the same right to become leaders,” he remarked.
Meanwhile, Fajry Annur, Chairperson of the Gender Mainstreaming Division and WEC Project Manager at PP IPM, said the camp, scheduled for November 6–8, 2026, features an incubation program comprising learning sessions, discussions, and the formulation of recommendations.
Beyond that, WEC serves as a platform for empowering young women at the student level. It is not simply a ceremonial event, but a systematic effort to develop agents of change in local communities.
Addressing Child Marriage and Female Genital Mutilation
Fajry added that sensitive issues such as child marriage and female circumcision require consistent efforts and the courage to educate the public, alongside collaboration among various stakeholders.
“The future of children must not be determined by early marriage, girls’ bodies must be respected and protected, and their voices must be heard in every decision that affects their lives,” she stressed.
As the host, Nur Ida Ersafabanyo, Chairperson of the Banten ProvincIal Board of IPM, said the forum addresses two pressing issues in the province, particularly in Lebak and Pandeglang: female circumcision and the high rate of child marriage.
“We hope this discussion forum will foster leadership and broaden young people’s awareness of reproductive health and women’s empowerment, ultimately creating a lasting positive impact,” Nur Ida concluded.
Strengthening Gender Awareness Among Young Cadres
Separately, Zakaria Syafei, Secretary of the Muhammadiyah Provincial Board (PWM) of Banten, praised PP IPM’s initiative and expressed his full support. He said women’s empowerment is crucial and consistent with Islamic teachings.
Zakaria described the oppression experienced by women during the pre-Islamic era and encouraged women to become empowered and take active roles in society. He also highlighted attitudes among some communities, including in Serang, that undervalue formal education in favor of earning money.
“In the modern era, women are expected to contribute in public spaces and take on leadership roles, because leadership is a right and an inherent potential of every human being, regardless of gender,” he explained. (Alam)
