Islamic Philanthropy in Women's Empowerment Efforts: A Case Study of the Aisyiyah Service Office in Kebumen

Abstract

Women's empowerment is an important agenda in sustainable development that is in line with the objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially gender equality and poverty alleviation. In this context, Islamic philanthropy has strategic potential to support the improvement of women's capacity and welfare through various social and empowerment programs. This study aims to analyze the role of the Aisyiyah Kebumen Zakat Service Office (KLZ) in women's empowerment, identify the programs implemented, and examine their impact on beneficiaries. The study uses a qualitative approach with a case study type. Data were obtained through interviews, observations, and documentation, then analyzed using the Miles and Huberman interactive model through the stages of data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. The results of the study indicate that KLZ Aisyiyah Kebumen plays a role in women's empowerment through various social, health, education, and humanitarian assistan. 2.KLZ Aisyiyah Programs for Women’s Empowerment include: Aisyiyah Early Childhood Education (PAUD) Teacher Support Program. Basic Necessities Assistance Program for Family Planning Acceptors, Disaster Management and Environmental Protection, Appreciation Program for Aisyiyah Tuberculosis Volunteers, Islamic Religious Education and Outreach Activities Ramadan Charity Gift Program, Qurban Corned Beef Assistance Programce. The impact of these programs provides benefits for improving welfare, social awareness, and women's participation in society. However, optimizing the role of KLZ Aisyiyah still faces challenges in the form of limited fundraising and the lack of independence of fund disbursement authority. This study concludes that KLZ Aisyiyah Kebumen has an important contribution in strengthening the role of women through an Islamic philanthropic approach oriented towards empowerment, although institutional strengthening and synergy between organizations are still needed to increase program effectiveness.