Women, Pillars of Civilization
(Reflection on International Women’s Day, March 8)
By: Ali Aminulloh
The morning of March 8 always carries a deeper message than simply the changing of the date. It is a reminder of the silent force that has long sustained civilization: women. From her womb generations are born, from her hands love grows, and from her thoughts a more humane civilization is born.
This date is commemorated worldwide as International Women’s Day. It is a global moment to remember women’s struggle for equality, justice, and recognition of their important role in social, economic, and political life.
History records that this struggle was not born in an easy space. In 1908, approximately 15,000 women in New York took to the streets demanding the right to vote, decent working conditions, and fair wages. This wave of awareness then spread until, in 1911, International Women’s Day was first celebrated in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland. Finally, in 1975, the United Nations (UN) designated March 8th as an international observance for women worldwide.
This day is commemorated with various activities: seminars, discussions, social actions, and awards for women who have contributed to society. All of this serves as a space for reflection that women’s struggle is not only about rights, but also about building a more just civilization.
From the perspective of Islamic civilization, women are even positioned as pillars of the state. A very famous Arabic proverb states:
“Al-mar’atu ‘imādul bilād, idzā sholuhat sholuhal bilād, wa idzā fasefat faseal bilād.”
Women are the pillars of the state. If women are good, the country is good. If women are corrupt, the country is corrupt.
This proverb emphasizes that the future of a nation is largely determined by the quality of its women as mothers, first educators, guardians of values, and drivers of social life.
In a broader context, this idea aligns with the Trilogy of Consciousness initiated by Shaykh Al Zaytun, namely philosophical, ecological, and social awareness. These three awarenesses are essential foundations for building a complete human being and civilization.
First, philosophical awareness.
Women play a significant role in shaping the way generations think. A mother not only gives birth to children but also instills values, the meaning of life, and a way of viewing the world. From the family room, an awareness of truth, responsibility, and the purpose of life is born. This is where women become the first educators, fostering clear-thinking and morally upright individuals.
Second, ecological awareness.
Women have a natural affinity for life. They nurture, protect, and foster it. The values of environmental protection, clean living, respect for nature, and living in harmony with God’s creation often begin at home. When women possess ecological awareness, the growing generation will also have a sense of responsibility for the earth they inhabit.
Third, social awareness.
Women are the unifying force of social life. From caring for neighbors, educating children, to social activities in the community, women are often the driving force behind solidarity. When women possess empathy and a strong social awareness, society will grow to be more caring, caring, and mutually empowering.
Therefore, the commemoration of International Women’s Day is not only about the struggle for women’s rights, but also about how women play a strategic role in building a conscious civilization.
The theme of International Women’s Day 2026, “Give to Get,” is a highly relevant message. When women are given the space to develop, given the opportunity to contribute, and recognized for their roles, the world will gain not just equality, but the birth of a more civilized generation.
Because truly, women are not just part of society.
They are pillars of civilization.
And when women stand with philosophical, ecological, and social awareness, not only will families be strong, but a nation will also stand strong.**
Indonesia, March 8, 2026
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