MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, YOGYAKARTA – The Central Board of ‘Aisyiyah (PP ‘Aisyiyah) has intensified efforts to promote issues of Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion, widely known as GEDSI, as part of its push toward a more inclusive society.
Through its inclusion program, ‘Aisyiyah collaborated with Suara Muhammadiyah (SM), the organization’s long-running publication, to host a book discussion on Friday at the Suara Muhammadiyah Hall in Yogyakarta. This event centered on a newly released book titled Reinterpreting Gender, Disability, and Social Inclusion Issues From the Perspective of Progressive Islam.
Tri Hastuti Nur Rochimah, secretary general of the Central Board of ‘Aisyiyah, welcomed the initiative and thanked those involved in producing the book. She said the publication could serve as a practical reference for Muhammadiyah preachers.
She emphasized that GEDSI is not a new concern within Muhammadiyah. From its early years, she said, the movement adopted a paradigm that seeks to uphold the dignity of women. Still, she argued that such issues must continue to be articulated so no group remains marginalized.
“Because this is not something new, it needs to be reinforced,” Tri Hastuti said. “These ideas must be formulated through accessible writing that people can easily read and understand.”
She added that Muhammadiyah and ‘Aisyiyah share an urgent responsibility to promote the principle of no one left behind. Differences, she said, should never justify exclusion. For this reason, preachers within the organization are encouraged to deepen their understanding of GEDSI issues.
Expanding Inclusive Spaces and Religious Discourse
Tri Hastuti said a stronger grasp of GEDSI could help open more inclusive public spaces, especially within Muhammadiyah itself. She also called for fresher religious messages that resonate with the public while avoiding judgement of hostility toward others.
Isngadi Marwah Atmaja, Director of Printing and Publishing at SM, noted that discussion on women’s issues have long shaped Muhammadiyah’s intellectual tradition. He recalled that in the 1920’s, ‘Aisyiyah leaders in Ponorogo urged Muhammadiyah Central Board to recognize women religious scholars in the formulation of Islamic jurisprudence.
He said those early initiatives laid the groundwork for ‘Aisyiyah’s current role. Today, he added, the organization stands ready to help shape the direction of society and the nation.
Isngadi, furthermore, pointed to rapid institutional growth in several regions. In Kudus, Central Java, for example, ‘Aisyiyah now manages two hospitals. He said the organization’s social movement has also grown stronger, driven by a high level of grassroots engagement.
“At the branch level, the enthusiasm is extraordinary,” he said, citing reports from an ‘Aisyiyah unit in Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan.
Casmini, Chairperson of the Central Board’s Council for Tarjih and Tajdid, urged Muhammadiyah and ‘Aisyiyah preachers to actively create inclusive spaces. She encouraged them to deepen their understanding of GEDSI, especially as they work closely with communities.
“We invite everyone to reflect on our perspectives,” she said. “This is crucial because we interact with society every day.”
It is certain that gender issues have become part of daily discourse among ‘Aisyiyah members. Casmini, however, noted that disability and broader social inclusion still require wider promotion. She said the three issues are interconnected and must be addressed together to ensure that no group is left behind. (Bintang Adrian)
