The closing ceremony of the 47th Aisyiyah’s national congress
Makassar. Women are now taking roles not only in the development of technology and education but also in politics, confirmed with the obligation in the parliament that at least 30 per cent of the seats should be filled by women. Vice President Jusuf Kalla stated this when delivering his closing speech at the 47th Aisyiyah’s national congress today at Balai Prajurit Jenderal M Yusuf, Makassar.
However, Vice President reminded that the essence of a woman is being a mother. “We must all recognize the roles played by a mother in a family. She is definitely a source of inspiration. As prophet Muhammad said, heaven is on the bottom of mother’s feet,” he said.
He then appreciated Aisyiyah that has been a century devoting their best for the national development, particularly in women education.
“Aisyiyah was established first to raise women’s participation and to better education for women. After a century, things surely change. But the essence of women to direct, educate and foster good characters on children will not change,” said Mr Kalla.
Aisyiyah’s initiative
According to the Vice President, Aisyiyah is a pioneer in education. “My younger brothers and sisters went to Aisyiyah kindergarten as it was the only kindergarten at that time in my hometown,” he said.
He then reminded that Aisyiyah should always put forward quality above quantity in developing its educational institutions to better develop its services for the country. “This is to cope with two main challenges in the coming century which are competition and technology,” he said.
Above all, Mr Kalla said, the most important is education within family. When a family is eager to advance and to work hard, he continued, this will contribute to the national advancement. “The spirit to better the family economy I believe would always be a part of Aisyiyah’s spirit,” he said.
Aisyiyah Chairwoman Siti Noordjannah Djohantini told the Vice President that the congress had run well and concluded with enforcement that Aisyiyah is a Muslim women movement to enlighten the nation. “We are committed to give our best to realise Indonesia as a country that is Baldatun Thayyibatun wa Rabbun Ghafur, prosperous under God’s guidance,” she said.
The People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) Chairman Zulkifli Hasan, Deputy MPR Chairman Oesman Sapta and former Muhammadiyah Chairman Malik Fajar also attended the event.
