The Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria has been urged to embrace Islamic principles rather than feminism in addressing the challenges confronting Muslim women.
The call was made on Sunday, during the 40th anniversary celebration of FOMWAN held in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The event, which featured a lecture and empowerment programme, was organised in collaboration with the Ogun State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development at the FOMWAN House, Leme, Abeokuta, to commemorate the 2026 International Women’s Day.
Speaking at the event, the guest lecturer, former Ameerah of Dawah Front Ummu Forum, Abeokuta, Alhaja Ibraheem Rasheedah, said global discourse on women’s rights had been largely dominated by feminism, stressing that Islamic justice provided a more suitable framework for addressing the plight of Muslim women.
According to her, Islam, when properly understood and practised, offers a system that protects and uplifts women at different stages of life.
“The society is talking about feminism; we are talking about injustice,” she said.
Mrs Ibrahim identified discrimination in workplaces due to the use of hijab, poverty, social neglect and health challenges as some of the major issues affecting Muslim women.
She noted that women also endure various physiological and emotional burdens throughout their lives, ranging from menstrual pains to childbirth and menopause.
The lecturer therefore urged Muslim women to prioritise education, describing ignorance as one of the greatest threats to women’s dignity and development.
“A lady must be ready to stand up and struggle to fight against ignorance. Knowledge is light,” she said, adding that knowledge must be accurate, complete and properly applied.
She also encouraged women to pursue financial independence through halal means, warning that poverty often exposes women to exploitation and limits their ability to make independent decisions.
Mrs Ibrahim further advised women to pay attention to their health by undergoing regular medical check-ups and building strong support networks among themselves.
She also urged Muslim women to strengthen their spiritual connection with Allah and avoid relying on intermediaries in their religious devotion.
The lecturer equally charged mothers to invest in the upbringing of their children by enrolling them in both Western and Islamic schools, noting that balanced education was essential for the moral and intellectual development of future generations.
The anniversary programme was held under the theme, “Empowering Muslim Women in Embracing Resilience and Sustainable Community Development in the Face of Climate Change.”
As part of the celebration, FOMWAN commissioned a newly constructed lodge for members of the National Youth Service Corps serving with the organisation.
The event was attended by several dignitaries including the Chief Imam of Egbaland, Alhaji Sa’adullah Bamgbola; the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Saka Matemilola; and the Iya Adeen of Ogun State, Alhaja Salmot Badru, among others.
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