FOMWAN Conference Emphasizes Tackling Insecurity, Women’s Empowerment, and Other Issues
Participants at the recently concluded 39th Annual Conference of the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN) reiterated that tackling insecurity is a collective responsibility.
They called for a return to ethical and moral principles, as prescribed by Islamic teachings, to curb corruption and its resultant societal ills, including famine and insecurity.
The Conference also urged both Federal and State governments to enforce laws against criminals and to ensure women’s active participation in interventions aimed at alleviating poverty.
These, among other points, were part of the recommendations included in the communiqué drafted at the end of the four-day event signed by the National Amirah Hajiya Ra’afiah I Sanni and the National Public Relations Officer, Hajiya Maimuna Momodu.
This signalled a strong commitment to addressing the challenges faced by women in Nigeria.
The 39th Annual National Conference of FOMWAN was held in Akure with the theme “Women and the Challenges of Insecurity,” from August 22nd to 25th, 2024 [18th – 21st Safar 1446 AH].
The conference brought together over 2,000 delegates from 29 states across the countryandbtge FCT, alongside members of the National Executive Council and the Board of Trustees, led by Her Excellency, Alhaja Lateefah Okunnu, OFR.
Notable dignitaries in attendance included the Executive Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Special Duties and Strategies, Alhaji Abdul-Ganniy Muhammed.
Also present were representatives of the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji (Dr.) Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar CFR, mni, and the Deji of Akure Kingdom, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi CFR, Odundun III, among other personalities.
In her address, the National Amirah, Hajiya Ra’afiah I. Sanni, expressed deep concern over the rising insecurity in the country, emphasizing that the burden of these challenges disproportionately falls on women.
The conference highlighted that the current economic hardships, marked by skyrocketing prices of food, goods, and services, are exacerbating the difficulties faced by women, who often bear the brunt of these crises.
The Association also recommended intensifying efforts to establish safe spaces for women and girls, ensuring they have secure environments in which they can thrive.
It advocated for the acquisition of both Islamic and Western education, as well as skill acquisition, to enhance women’s economic security and improve their chances of securing paid employment or engaging in self-sustaining activities.
The organization urged women to actively participate in political education and engagement to increase their access to development opportunities, funding for investments, and other facilities that can improve their families’ economic well-being.
In addition, FOMWAN expressed its commitment to collaborating with governmental and non-governmental organizations to create more opportunities in agriculture and employment for women and girls.
The Association concluded by expressing gratitude to the government and people of Ondo State for their support in hosting a successful conference.
