Ang Tho,ah and the Women Ulema of Indonesia (Fahmina Institute)

As the largest Muslim-majority nation, Indonesia is often seen as a moderate country that upholds religious freedom. But concerns about growing fundamentalism, declining rights for women and LGBTQ+ people, rising gender-based violence, and limited women’s political engagement are not sufficiently addressed by the government. Ang Tho’ah and a new generation of women ulema or Muslim scholars bring to the forefront the important roles women have played in Islamic scholarship and their communities. Workshops with women’s rights organization Fahmina Institute highlighted the need to add a gender perspective in pesantrens or Islamic boarding schools in Indonesia. Through the We Lead Consortium, Fahmina Institute continues to amplify the voices of young and empowered Muslim women. Watch the story of Ang Tho’ah and women ulema of Indonesia.