Menag: There Is No Basis to Discredit Women

At the 76th anniversary of Fatayat NU, held at Istiqlal Mosque, Indonesia's Minister of Religious Affairs, Prof. Nasaruddin Umar, delivered a powerful message: there is no basis in Islam to discredit women. This affirmation directly challenges interpretations that have historically marginalized women, asserting that the Quran's core message on gender is one of equality.

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There is no basis that can be used to discredit women. All verses that speak about gender relations in the Quran use the concept of equality.

Minister Umar highlighted that certain religious interpretations, often cited to subordinate women, are more a product of specific patriarchal cultural contexts than the inherent teachings of the Quran. He urged members of Fatayat NU, a prominent women's wing of the largest Islamic organization in Indonesia, to embrace intellectual courage in understanding religious texts contextually and with gender justice. This call resonates deeply within Indonesia, where discussions around religious interpretation and women's rights are ongoing and often complex.

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Men are the protectors of women. So the relationship is functional, not structural.

Specifically addressing the often-debated verse 34 of Surah An-Nisa, traditionally translated as "men are the protectors of women," Umar advocated for a functional understanding: "men are protectors of women." He stressed that women should not feel guilt about assuming leadership roles if they possess the requisite competence, integrity, and ability. The minister pointed to the significant contributions of NU's female cadres in various strategic sectors—education, social work, government, and community empowerment—as proof of women's capabilities, both domestically and on the international stage. This perspective is particularly important in Indonesia, where religious organizations play a significant role in shaping societal norms and empowering women.

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Women should not feel guilty when leading. If you have the capacity and ability, then there is no problem with women being leaders.

Ela Siti Nuryamah, Secretary General of PP Fatayat NU, underscored that the anniversary was not merely ceremonial but a moment to reaffirm the commitment of Nahdliyin women to serving the community and the nation. Fatayat NU's 76 years of existence have been marked by concrete actions in social assistance, education, health, and economic empowerment for women. This practical approach, demonstrating capability through tangible results rather than mere claims, is a hallmark of organizations like Fatayat NU and is viewed with pride within Indonesia.

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Fatayat is present not just to make claims, but to prove itself through concrete steps of women's empowerment in various fields, from religion, health, education, to economic empowerment.