MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, YOGYAKARTA — A remarkable meeting unfolded at Universitas ‘Aisyiyah (UNISA) Yogyakarta on Friday, February 9, as the Central Board of ‘Aisyiyah hosted Prof. Nahla Shabry Al-Saeedi, the first woman ever to serve as an advisor to the Grand Imam of Al Azhar, Egypt.
The visit resonated deeply for both organizations, promising a future built on shared values and collaborative action.
It is worth noting that Prof. Nahla is the first woman appointed as an advisor to the Grand Imam of Al Azhar for Expatriate Affairs. She is the first woman to hold the role of Advisor to the Grand Sheikh in the 1,000-year history of Al Azhar. Nahla’s current duty is to support Egypt’s 2030 vision on national women’s empowerment strategies.
Salmah Orbayinah, President of ‘Aisyiyah, warmly welcomed Prof. Nahla, acknowledging their shared commitment to women’s empowerment. She traced ‘Aisyiyah’s roots back to its founders’ unwavering belief in women’s education and public engagement, defying limitations imposed by the pre-independence era. ‘Aisyiyah was founded by Ahmad Dahlan and his friends along with Nyai Walidah to advance and dignify women. At that time, when women’s roles and access were limited, Kyai Dahlan and Nyai Walidah encouraged women to receive education and participate in public life.
“We envision this visit fostering positive outcomes and future partnerships,” Salmah expressed, proposing collaborations like scholarship programs for ‘Aisyiyah’s promising members and educational initiatives for female religious leaders. “Such collaborations could empower not just Indonesian and Egyptian women, but Muslim women globally,” she added with hope.
Prof. Nahla, visibly moved by the visit, particularly emphasized the significance of UNISA, the world’s first university established by a Muslim women’s organization. “I am deeply impressed by this remarkable university, its size, and its commitment to women’s education,” she declared, expressing pride in representing Al Azhar among such inspiring women.
Prof. Nahla passionately emphasized the transformative power of education for women’s empowerment, urging everyone to seek guidance from the Quran and Sunnah. She stressed the importance of Muslim women serving as role models and called for collective action to tackle global challenges faced by women.
According to Prof. Nahla, many organizations discuss women’s issues, but not all support women’s empowerment. “As Muslim women, we should showcase the best examples of Muslim women as role models for others. We should not be stagnant in understanding women’s rights and obligations. Stagnant thinking is regressive. Every woman worldwide should participate in this movement together,” she emphasized.
Prof. Nahla noted that the issues facing women worldwide will never be resolved, and to find various solutions to emerging problems, she emphasized the importance of always referring to the Quran and Sunnah. “Because if we return to these two sources, we will find the right solutions for women’s development.”
Prof. Nahla’s visit wasn’t just a symbolic gesture; it was a bridge-building exercise. She expressed her eagerness to collaborate with ‘Aisyiyah and UNISA to advance women’s empowerment further. She commended UNISA’s commitment to educating both men and women and its dedication to Progressive Islam’s ideals.
Welcoming Prof. Nahla, UNISA Rector Warsiti reiterated the university’s unwavering commitment to empowering women through education. She highlighted that UNISA embodies the principles of Progressive Islam and is dedicated to developing innovative approaches to women’s advancement.
Prof. Nahla’s visit to ‘Aisyiyah and UNISA marked a significant chapter in their shared journey towards women’s empowerment. Through dialogue, collaboration, and a unified vision, they are paving the way for a brighter future where women can thrive, not just in Indonesia and Egypt, but across the globe.
