Rahima, Centre for Education and Information on Islam and Women's Rights is a non-governmental organization that focuses on empowerment of women in Islamic perspective. Rahima was established to respond to the needs of information on gender and Islam. Rahima was established on August 5, 2000 and its existence was authorized by the Notary on September 11, 2000 in Jakarta. The institute started its activities in February 2001.
Along with the series of 10th anniversary of Rahima, and in the momentum of Seminar about "The Future of Women's Ulema Leadership" on 23 November 2010, Rahima was officially announced its new legal form by changing from Rahima Foundation to the Association. Thus, this institution became known as the "the Association of Rahima". The main theme carried by the Association of Rahima is “Women’s Ulema for the Benefit of Human Being”.
The name "Rahima"was taken inspired by 2 things. That is derived from the word "womb" of women, a place where an entity's life begins, and taken one of the beautiful name of God (al-ul husna asthma) ie "ar rahman and ar Raheem. " Which means the Most Compassionate and Merciful. Thus "Rahima" interpreted as an effort to celebrate life with the spirit of compassion. Rahima initially focused on critical education and dissemination of information on women's rights in Islamic environment.
Then because of the demands of community needs, Rahima expand its reach in various outside groups like the Islamic boarding schools, the teachers in the scope of religious schools and teachers of Islamic religion in public schools, the panel study groups, Muslim women's organizations, student organizations, and various NGOs.
The membership of Rahima’s Association is open but limited. For the period of 2011-2015, Rahima’s membership consists of 33 people who represent the partners (the participants of Rahima’s education program) from various regions. They are scholars, pesantren leaders, academics, activists and civil society movements which become knots of Rahima’s movement. Some names incorporated in Rahima’s membership include: Wahju Budi Santoso, Farha Ciciek Msi, Daan Dini Khairunnida MA, Dra.Hj.Maria Ulfah Anshor, M. Hum, Badriyah Fayumi, Lc, Faqihuddin Abdulkodir MA, Ust. Imam Nakhai, M. Ikhsanuddin Mag., Tohari MPd., Ust. Cecep Jaya Karama, Neng Hannah Mag., Umdah el Baroroh S, Ag., Titik Rahmawati M,Ag., Muyassaroh, Najmatul Millah and others.
