EN.MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, YOGYAKARTA – Ahead of its 109th anniversary celebration on May 19, 2026, ‘Aisyiyah Central Board held a press conference in Yogyakarta to reaffirm its commitment to peacebuilding, humanitarian advocacy, and inclusive Islamic outreach.
During the briefing, Salmah Orbayinah, president of the organization’s central leadership, said the anniversary reflects more than a century of ‘Aisyiyah’s social and religious contributions. This year’s celebration carries the theme, “Strengthening Humanitarian Da’wah to Realize Peace.”
According to Salmah, the theme responds directly to today’s increasingly fragile global and national climate. She said it also reinforces ‘Aisyiyah’s identity as a progressive Muslim women’s movement that promotes Islam as a source of compassion, peace, and protection for humanity.
“In a global situation marked by escalating conflict and violence, women remain among the most vulnerable groups. At the same time, they are also important agents of peacebuilding,” Salmah said during the press conference on Monday (18/5).
She pointed to rising global cases of conflict-related violence, including sexual violence and the growing number of displaced women and children. In response, she argued that civil society organizations, particularly women’s groups, must play a larger humanitarian role grounded in justice and social solidarity.
Expanding Humanitarian and Family Support Services
Salmah also highlighted several programs that ‘Aisyiyah has developed to strengthen community welfare and social protection. These include the organization’s legal aid services, family counseling initiatives, and child protection programs.
Among them are Pos Bantuan Hukum ‘Aisyiyah, a legal assistance service; Biro Konsultasi Keluarga Sakinah, a family counseling bureau; and Gerakan ‘Aisyiyah Cinta Anak, a child-centered advocacy movement.
She said these initiatives demonstrate ‘Aisyiyah’s commitment to promoting family resilience, compassion, and a culture of peace within society.
Meanwhile, Tri Hastuti Nur Rochimah, secretary general of the organization, stressed the importance of maintaining inclusive activism that transcends ethnic, religious, and national boundaries.
“We continue to struggle inclusively in order to build peace across borders, ethnicities, religions, and cultures. That is part of ‘Aisyiyah’s understanding of rahmatan lil ‘alamin,” she said.
Building International Humanitarian Networks
Tri Hastuti added that ‘Aisyiyah has also expanded its engagement in global humanitarian and interfaith networks. One of those partnerships involves participation in Faith to Action, an international collaborative platform focused on humanitarian and peace initiatives.
According to her, the network allows Indonesian Muslim women to contribute more actively to international peacebuilding efforts and global social justice campaigns.
As ‘Aisyiyah approaches its 109th anniversary, the organization says it aims to further strengthen the role of women as leaders in inclusive humanitarian outreach. Through that mission, it hopes to contribute to a global order rooted in peace, justice, and shared human dignity.
