MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, KENYA – ‘Aisyiyah has officially become a member of the Faith to Action Network (F2A). The announcement was made by Tri Hastuti, Secretary-General of the Central Board of ‘Aisyiyah, during the 2025 Faith to Action Network Convention themed “Faith Actors: Stewards of Change,” held in Kenya, East Africa, from September 23 to 25, 2025.
F2A is a global interfaith network that brings together religious leaders and organizations from diverse backgrounds to empower communities to live healthily, peacefully, and with dignity. Currently, F2A encompasses more than one hundred organizations and faith leaders worldwide.
“‘Aisyiyah expressed its appreciation for being able to join the network. With its acceptance as an F2A member, wider opportunities are now open for ‘Aisyiyah to contribute on a global scale,” Tri revealed.
At the forum, Muhammadiyah was also represented by Hening Parlan, a partner in the JISRA EcoBhinneka Muhammadiyah project, and Emma Rachmawati, a member of the F2A Steering Committee.
Global Role in Peace and Equality
In her opening remarks, Tri emphasized that all F2A members share a common vision: building a better, just, and peaceful life. “‘Aisyiyah will contribute alongside other members to promoting global peace and gender justice,” she said.
Tri added that humanitarian values serve as an important foundation for addressing increasingly complex global challenges. “In the midst of today’s world situation, there is an opportunity to foster dialogue, mutual understanding, and cooperation to achieve peace,” she said.
Additionally, Tri spoke in the “Interfaith Approaches: Sacred Texts, Gender and Human Rights” session. She emphasized that Islam is a religion of compassion that upholds care and equality between men and women. “A woman’s natural roles, such as giving birth, breastfeeding, or menstruating, are not obstacles for her to contribute to public life. From the beginning, Muhammadiyah and ‘Aisyiyah have provided space for women’s leadership,” she explained.
History and Roles of Women’s Leadership
Tri highlighted the history of women in Islam and in Indonesia. Many women are recorded as leaders and fighters, including Nyai Walidah Dahlan, an ‘Aisyiyah figure honored as a National Hero. ‘Aisyiyah also played a key role as the initiator of the Indonesian Women’s Congress.
Regarding domestic roles, Tri underlined that household responsibilities are a shared duty. “Men and women are created to complement, love, and support each other, “ she stated, referring to QS. Ar-Rum verse 21.
Clarifying Child Marriage Understanding and Issues
Tri also addressed misunderstandings about the story of human creation, which often portray women as being at fault. In her view, such interpretations contribute to stereotypes of women as temptresses and victims who are frequently blamed in cases of violence.
Responding to the issues of child marriage, Tri highlighted the importance of prevention to protect future generations. “Islam teaches us not to ignore a vulnerable generations. Marriage requires physical, emotional, and economic maturity so that children are born healthy and the marriage can be sakinah, mawaddah, and warahmah, “ she ended.
