Dr. Askuri, Head of The ‘Aisyiyah Center at Universitas ‘Aisyiyah Yogyakarta and one of the initiators of ICAS 2026, emphasizes that the conference represents more than an academic gathering; it is a strategic intellectual platform for shaping the future of progressive Muslim women’s leadership. According to him, ICAS 2026 is designed to bring together scholars, activists, and institutional leaders from around the world to reflect on the historical legacy of ‘Aisyiyah while simultaneously imagining new pathways for social transformation in the face of global challenges.
He notes that contemporary civilization is confronted by interconnected crises—ranging from social polarization and inequality to ecological degradation and technological disruption. In this context, movements rooted in ethical values and community empowerment, such as ‘Aisyiyah, have a crucial role in nurturing solidarity and advancing a more just and sustainable world. ICAS 2026 therefore aims to create a space where rigorous scholarship, social engagement, and moral vision intersect.
Dr. Askuri further explains that the conference is expected to strengthen international academic networks in the field of ‘Aisyiyah Studies and progressive Muslim women’s movements. By connecting researchers from different regions and disciplines, the forum seeks to generate new research agendas, collaborative projects, and scholarly publications that contribute to global conversations on gender justice, sustainability, and faith-based social transformation.
For him, ICAS 2026 is also a meaningful milestone in the long journey of ‘Aisyiyah as a movement of enlightened Islam. Through this conference, he hopes that the intellectual and moral spirit of the organization—grounded in knowledge, compassion, and social responsibility—will continue to inspire new generations to work collectively for the advancement of humanity and the protection of the earth.
