In celebration of Kartini Day, the Arabic Language Education Study Program (PBA) of the Faculty of Islamic Religion and Teacher Education (FAIPG), Universitas Djuanda (UNIDA), held a book review event on *Language and Gender* by Dr. Miftahulkhairah Anwar, S.S., M.Hum., M.Phil., a lecturer at Universitas Negeri Jakarta (UNJ).
The event, held on Monday (April 21, 2025), was opened by the Head of the PBA FAIPG UNIDA Study Program, Didin Syamsudin, S.Pd., M.M.Pd. He emphasized the importance of inviting guest lecturers and organizing academic events like this as a bridge for inter-university collaboration.
He also stated that this event reflects UNIDA’s commitment to cultivating a culture of literacy and encouraging academic enthusiasm within the university environment.
“This book review not only enriches students' knowledge, but also nurtures intellectual spirit among the academic community,” he said.
The Rector of UNIDA, Dr. Hj. R. Siti Pupu Fauziah, S.Pd.I., M.Pd.I., welcomed the event and expressed her appreciation for this academic initiative, which promotes reading interest and broadens students' perspectives on issues of language and gender.
“Events like this are essential for building a culture of literacy and enhancing students' critical awareness,” she noted.
Meanwhile, in her presentation, Dr. Miftahulkhairah Anwar, S.S., M.Hum., M.Phil.—fondly known as Hera—explained that her 227-page book explores gender representation in both Indonesian and Arabic, and how it relates to each language’s cultural context. She emphasized that gender issues in language will always be relevant and provoke ongoing debate due to differing viewpoints between supporters and critics.
Serving as the discussant, Dr. Mochammad Deddy Soe’aiddy, M.Si., a lecturer at PBA FAIPG UNIDA, highlighted the importance of understanding language as a product of socio-cultural construction. According to him, this book contributes significantly to enriching linguistic and gender studies in Indonesia.
On the same occasion, senior lecturer at FAIPG UNIDA, Fachrur Razi Amir, S.Ag., M.Ag., expressed hope that academic events like this can be held regularly.
“Such activities are very helpful in enhancing students' literacy and critical thinking,” he concluded.