Jakarta, wapresri.go.id – As a democratic country, Indonesia provides equal access to all its citizens such as education and strategic positions in work, business, politics, and also the government. However, this opportunity has not been fully utilized, especially by women who live in rural and remote areas. For this reason, as an organization that serves as a forum for Muslim women (muslimat), it is deemed necessary for the youth (Fatayat Nahdlatul Ulama (NU)) to play a strategic role in advancing Indonesian women’s role in the walk of life.

“Hard work is still needed to continue advancing Indonesian women. In this case, the strategic steps of Fatayat NU are highly expected and awaited,” said Vice President Ma’ruf Amin at the virtual opening of the XVI Fatayat NU Congress, Friday afternoon (15/07/2022).

According to the Vice President, these strategic steps to underpin women’s empowerment can be realized through active participation in the agenda of G20 Presidency of Indonesia in 2022. The priority issues raised through Women20 are women’s discrimination and equality, economic inclusion for women’s empowerment, improvement of rural women and persons with disabilities, and improvement of maternal and child health services.

“I encourage Fatayat NU to take part in the agenda of the G20 Indonesia Presidency related to women’s empowerment issues,” he urged.

The Vice President also invited Fatayat NU members to increase the active participation of all Indonesian Muslims in the midst of development. Therefore, they are able to rise and prosper together, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic.

“I also hope that all Fatayat NU members will continue to seize all opportunities to improve their capabilities and competitiveness in facing global challenges for their families, communities and nations,” said the Vice President.

On the same occasion, the Vice President appreciated Fatayat NU for its work as one of the Islamic women’s organizations in Indonesia as well as an autonomous body of NU for decades. According to him, this contribution needs to be significantly increased in all areas of development in order to build Indonesia that is prosperous and religious (baldatun thayyibatun wa rabbun ghafuur).

“On this occasion, I would like to express my appreciation for the work of young female members who have joined Fatayat NU since the 1950s and various social works in sincerity as a form of service to the organization, society, and country,” he said.

Closing his remarks, the Vice President hoped the current congress to further strengthen Fatayat NU’s work in advancing Indonesian women in all forms.

“Hopefully this congress will produce the best decisions and recommendations for the progress of the organization and the benefit of the people, nation and state, especially for the advancement of Indonesian Muslim women,” he asked.

“By saying bismillahirrahmanirrahim, I officially open the XVI Fatayat NU Congress,” he concluded.

Previously, Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto said that women’s organizations played a very important role in nation-building, especially through the presence of Fatayat NU. According to him, it is a pillar of stability, maintaining the integrity of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia.

“Fatayat NU determines to uphold harmony and peace in our republic. We are grateful to have NU which is very big and influential and led by leaders who are full of wisdom, full of understanding of true Islam. We believe that NU is a pillar of stability in the Republic of Indonesia,” Prabowo explained.

“Congratulations on the congress, I hope you get the best decisions and continue in the effort to defend the entire Indonesian nation,” he added.

Presence on the occasion were Deputy Chairperson of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) Jazilul Fawaid, Governor of South Sumatra Herman Deru, South Sumatra Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Chairman Amiruddin Nahrawi, Baznas Chairman Noor Achmad, and Deputy Governor of Lampung Chusnunia Chalim.

Meanwhile, the Vice President was accompanied by the Head of the Secretariat of the Vice President Ahmad Erani Yustika, Deputy for Human Development Policy Support and Development Equity Suprayoga Hadi, and Special Staff for the Vice President Masduki Baidlowi. (EP/DMA/LHS-BPMI Setwapres)