The Empowerment of Women: Eliminating Communication Inequality Based on Islamic Perspective

Abstract

According to Indonesian Central Bureau of Statistics, there were 347.256 divorce cases during 2015. The number tends to increase annually. Allegedly, communication disharmony is the major factor causing divorce. In fact, communication is essential for a family. Most of Indonesians, based on the culture and religious factors, still believes that husband holds the position of decision makers; and wife shall obey husband. The deeply rooted patriarchal culture indicates that some Indonesian women are lack of opportunities to speak up. It seems that there is an inequality between husbands and wives to express opinions or arguments. This paper has explored Islam’s view on the empowerment of communication between husband and wife. The study employed a qualitative approach and a case study method. The data were collected through an in-depth interview, a focus group discussion, and an analysis of documents. The study took place in Desa Cilame where a group of women becomes the head of households. The women were subjects of empowerment programs provided by some Muslim scholars. The results of the study reveal the concept of women empowerment in Islam. Firstly, women are “the gate of heaven” for their parents and the heaven for their children. Secondly, Islam gives freedom for women to actualize themselves by taking part in social activities so they can be knowledgeable and skilled. Thirdly, Islam perceives that husband-wife relationship is not superordinate-subordinate one, but it is a relationship of love and affection where the basic convention is peace and tranquility. In communication, Islam regulates that wife and husband must use their “heart” (slowly, clearly, and well arranged) when they talk to each other.