MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, YOGYAKARTA — Chairperson of ‘Aisyiyah Council for Economy and Employment Utik Bidayati asserted that the pursuit of social welfare and poverty alleviation among the community is a form of worship.
According to Utik, Surah Al-Ma’un provides guidance for Muslims in two dimensions: ibadah mahdhah (worship) and muamalah (social interactions). This surah becomes the primary inspiration for Muhammadiyah to continually strive for the well-being of the community, especially those in vulnerable situations. Poverty, she argued, can lead individuals towards disbelief.
“Individuals are more likely to deviate from the faith when they are facing financial difficulties,” said Utik during Aisyiyah’s National Seminar on ‘Strategies for Enhancing the Competitiveness of ‘Aisyiyah Cooperatives and SMEs in Confronting Global Economic Challenges’ at Universitas Ahmad Dahlan, on Tuesday, September 10.
The ‘Aisyiyah Council for Economy and Employment is currently present in 35 provinces and 435 districts across Indonesia. Utik hoped that these councils would become a significant economic power for the community.
“We hope that this can be a significant economic force,” said Utik.
One of ‘Aisyiyah flagship programs in economic empowerment is the ‘Aisyiyah Family Economic Business Development Program (BUEKA), which aims to strengthen family economies. This program includes activities such as economic study sessions, family business clinics, Aisyiyah cooperatives, and empowerment programs for vulnerable groups.
Additionally, ‘Aisyiyah provides support to female migrant workers. Despite many of them earning high wages abroad, a lack of financial management skills upon returning to Indonesia often poses challenges.
The ‘Aisyiyah Council for Economy and Employment also runs an entrepreneurship school, which has had over 3,900 graduates nationwide.
“The Aisyiyah Entrepreneurship School provides education to women, enabling them to improve and develop their small businesses, including financial management skills,” said Utik.
