Feminism is a movement that advocates women`s rights based on the equality of the sexes. Note that this does not necessarily deny the biological differences between the two sexes. Feminism focuses on demanding justice and equality in every aspect of life, one of which is education. “Feminism is grounded in the belief that women are full human beings capable of participating in the world intellectually, emotionally, physically, and spiritually as equals to men,” stated Cherrie Moraga (1981). Well, feminist campaigns have been an important part of the history of women`s empowerment. Since the twentieth century, feminist campaigns allowed for the right to vote, public ownership, work, and education.
Islam, surprisingly, actually has common ground with feminism. As written in one of the many letters of the Qur`an, an-Nisa (which means woman). But those who do good—whether male or female—and have faith will enter Heaven and will never be wrong even as much as the speck on a date stone (Q.S. An-Nisa: 124). Based on history, it must be acknowledged that Islam is compatible with the idea of progress for women. This means that the principles of feminism already exist in Islam and Qur`an. Unfortunately, people who promote feminism are those who do not adhere to Islamic doctrines. So, it seems as if gender justice only existed when women fought for it at the end of the 19th century.
Integrating gender understanding and awareness in the world of education is certainly not an easy thing, especially for teachers in a faith-based educational institution. Even though teaching is a fun activity, raising gender awareness among students is quite a challenge. This is because students generally consider gender and sexuality issues to be taboo. In addition, religious conservatism and socio-cultural norms increasingly add to the challenge of dismantling thought patterns related to gender. Appropriate strategies and approaches are needed to integrate gender understanding in the classroom to increase students` critical awareness. Specifically in viewing gender and sexuality not only as biological problems but also as social, cultural, and political problems.
One approach to gender-based education that can be applied in the classroom is through feminist pedagogy theory. The foundation of feminist pedagogy is based on critical theories of learning and teaching such as in his book, “Pedagogy of the Oppressed”. According to Paulo Freire, the classroom is a place for developing an understanding of gender, racial, and social justice as well as a place for change and political struggle. This shows that teaching and learning in the classroom have the potential to lead to freedom.
This problem is what I try to raise in this Philosophy of Education essay. The existence of Islamic teachings does not differentiate between the rights of women and men to seek knowledge, and in fact, tends to make it mandatory. However, in practice, sometimes women are not given the same opportunities as men in studying. They are not allowed to study together in mosques or madrasahs. In Islamic boarding schools, the reason for separating female and male students in education is because the presence of women among men is considered taboo and it is feared that it will disturb the concentration of male students` learning. Because of this threat, al-Din bin Jama`ah, as quoted by Jonathan Berkey, prohibited women from being in madrasahs or being in a place where male students usually pass by or look into the schoolyard through windows.
The good news is, that this does not apply to Nurul Furqon Islamic Boarding School Foundation (Yayasan Pondok Pesantren Nurul Furqon) or what is usually called Planet Nufo Nature School (Sekolah Alam Planet Nufo)—where I teach in Rembang. Based on information from the caregiver, Abana Dr. Mohammad Nasih, M.Sc. (doctor of political science, UI graduate in 2010, hafidh of the Qur`an, socio-political-education activist, and lecturer), in his book entitled “Mengaktifkan Imajinasi, Memfasilitasi Aksi”, Planet Nufo is an educational institution with a holistic paradigm. There is no dichotomy. Thus, gender bias and class separation never existed in this Islamic boarding school. Both women and men socialize as usual, whether in classrooms, mosques, or organizations. This principle seems to align with the principles of feminist pedagogy which refers to a gender perspective to dismantle power, change consciousness, dismantle oppression, and question social constructions based on masculinity and femininity.
Planet Nufo is not like an ordinary Islamic boarding school. At Planet Nufo, gender justice is truly implemented without any differences. Here, Nufo is more familiar with “gender justice” than “gender equality”. Because “fair” and “equal” have different meanings. When “equal” means that we fight for the same rights, then “fair” makes us understand that our rights and obligations are in proportion. This is what is echoed in the Qur`an and the principles of feminism.
Not only that, even at Sekolah Alam Planet Nufo, there are several organizations headed by women. Such as IPPNU (Nahdlatul Ulama Women`s Student Association) and OSIS (Intra-School Student Organization). Several other organizations have followed in the footsteps of the two previous organizations regarding leadership issues.
What is sought from the leadership of this organization is leadership skills, not men`s pride. Because, the goal of feminist pedagogy itself is to make members learn to respect each other`s differences, achieve common goals, and help each other achieve individual goals—in this case, the organization.
This kind of leadership reminds us of the story of Queen Balqis, the ruler of Saba` in the story of Prophet Sulaiman a.s. (An Naml: 23-42). Queen Balqis is a true feminist symbol, the verses in the Qur`an describe her leadership character as democratic, intelligent, and authoritative. This proves that women also have the same abilities and advantages in the realm of leadership as men.
In Minister of National Education Regulation no. 84 of 2008, there are efforts to mainstream gender, especially in education. Of course, to achieve this, there have been several efforts to implement it. Especially in classes which are the main point of gender studies. A trivial but eye-opening example is the role of the female class chief who supervises both men and women in her class. For the development of critical thinking, there is a subject at Planet Nufo called “Literacy”. The target of this subject is that every student can write prose and opinion. At every level of education at Planet Nufo, every student must at least be able to write an opinion. One opinion that kicked off a common topic is gender studies and feminism.
The following is an essay that I wrote based on observations of the school where I have taught so far. Some of the interesting things about this school were initiated by none other than the caretaker, AbanaMohammad Nasih. Because the meaning of this school, “Nurul Furqon”, is the light of distinction. Even in its unique jargon, Different and The Best! Different doesn`t mean we are worse. Being different makes us aware that the path to migration needs to be taken for a better future.[*]
By: Algazella Sukmasari, S.Pd., (Magister`s College Student in Pascasarjana UPGRIS of English Education Department)