MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, YOGYAKARTA – Al-Azhar University, and Faith to Action Network (F2A), and Muhammadiyah-’Aisyiyah host a Global Conference on Women’s Rights in Islam at Universitas ‘Aisyiyah (Unisa) Yogyakarta from May 14 to 16, 2024. The conference focuses on six main issues: gender equality, women’s participation in private and public life, sexual and gender-based violence, property rights, child custody, and bodily integrity.
Addressing the ongoing challenges faced by women in upholding their rights within the Islamic framework, Prof. Alimatul Qibtiyah, Secretary of the ‘Aisyiyah Department of Research and Development, emphasized the clear stance of Islam on women’s rights during a press conference held at Unisa Yogyakarta on Monday (May 13).
Prof. Alim mentioned that women’s rights are guaranteed directly in the Holy Quran. Honor is earned not based on gender, but on piety – men and women are both leaders on earth.
Prof. Alim further elaborated on this concept of equality. “Islam teaches that women are equally responsible for their actions and have the same opportunities as men to develop themselves and contribute positively to society. Allah sees there is no distinction based on gender when it comes to responsibility and the potential for personal growth and service to others,” said Prof. Alim.
Despite the clear teachings of Islam that guarantee women’s rights, the reality on the ground paints a different picture. Many women still experience the deprivation of their rights, often becoming victims of violence even by those closest to them, such as family members or spouses.
Prof. Alim provided data from the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (KemenPPPA) to illustrate the severity of the problem. In 2024 alone, there were more than 6,000 recorded cases of violence against women. Even more disturbing, a significant portion (9%) of these cases were perpetrated by individuals or institutions that are supposed to protect women, such as law enforcement or social services.
In light of these pressing issues, Prof. Alim called for collective action and collaboration in advocating for the fulfillment of women’s rights. She particularly stressed the importance of implementing the normative basis of the Qur’an, especially in Indonesia, a nation with a majority Muslim population. By adhering to the Quran’s teachings on gender equality, Indonesia can serve as a model for other Muslim-majority countries.
