Prof. Hj. Siti Baroroh Baried was born in Yogyakarta on May 23, 1923. She was an ‘Aisyiyah figure that pioneered women empowerment in the society. She was an academician and activist that granted many contributions to women of Indonesia. To commemorate her contributions, Doctorate Program of Islamic Politics of Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY) conducted a routine seminar entitled “Seminar of Nationality and Muhammadiyah: Prof. Dra. Siti Baroroh Baried and Modern Women’s Movements”. The seminar was held on Monday (30/4) at Director Hall of Graduate Building of UMY.
Former Chairwoman of Central Board of ‘Asiyiyah, Siti Hadiroh Ahmad, S.Pd. stated that Siti Baroroh was a scarce woman in Muhammadiyah. “She possesses a firm slogan, declaring that she devotes all her life to study. She proved herself as the first woman becoming a professor in Indonesia. She became the chairwoman of ‘Aisyiyah in twenty years, starting from 1965 to 1985. Siti Baroroh was a figure who introduced ‘Aisyiyah to the international world. She also pioneered cooperation with international organizations such as UNICEF, The Asia Foundation, World Conference of Religion and Peace, and others. She even presented a material entitled “Aisyiyah and the Social Change Woman of the Indonesian” at Harvard University,” explained Siti Hadiroh.
Moreover, Head of Center of Gender Studies of Universitas Islam Indonesia (UII), Dr. Trias Setiawan, M.Si reinforced the statements by Siti Hadiroh. “Siti Baroroh becomes a cornerstone of women of ‘Aisyiyah. She emphasized the importance of education and opened easy access to education for all Islamic women in Indonesia. Through ‘Aisyiyah, Siti Baroroh conducted empowerment to all women in Indonesia. She even initiated a concept of prosperous family and encouraged all housewives to conduct positive activities. In her era, Siti Baroroh sent many ‘Aisyiyah women abroad to enrich their knowledge,” informed Trias. He added, “What I highlight in here is Siti Baroroh implemented her knowledge into her daily activities. What Siti Baroroh did certainly surpassed the wont in her era and became a basis of accommodating culture in the present era. People should model Siti Baroroh, contributing positive actions to society.”
Additionally, a representative of Study Center and Disability Services of UIN Sunan Kalijaga, Ro’fah, MSW, Ph.D conveyed that Siti Baroroh transformed a new culture through ‘Aisyiyah. “Siti Baroroh creates a modernization for Islamic women. In her era, women were very vulnerable because society did not consider them as an entity contributing to change and development. Siti Baroroh urged all women to become mothers of the society. She even directed them to conduct activities that can improve their capacities,” detailed Ro’fah.
Ro’fah added that Siti Baroroh is an example of woman empowerment. “She conducted actions in an uneasy era. She opened paths for many women to participate in society. This, surely, becomes a challenge for us to continue her fervor and to implement beneficial actions for the nation,” ended Ro’fah.
