By
Salamatu Labaran
The Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria, FOMWAN, is to strengthen empowerment of Muslim women and girls in its education, healthcare, entrepreneurship and digital skills.
A communique which is issued at the federation’s 41st National Conference held in Umuahia, Abia State, has in attendance about 600 Islamic scholars, government representatives and other stakeholders across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The communique explains that the decision becomes necessary considering the level of insecurity, poverty, displacement, violence and humanitarian crises, which continue to expose women and children to become vulnerable and loss of livelihoods.
It identifies gaps in girls’ education and women’s access to finance, markets, productive assets, digital skills and sustainable economic opportunities as major challenges that need attention.
According to the communique, FOMWAN is committed to establish a National Women and Girls Mentorship Programme to support character formation, leadership development, career guidance, entrepreneurship and life skills.
Others are to pursue the establishment of a Digital Academy, strengthen programmes on education, healthcare, child protection and economic empowerment.
The rest are to intensify advocacy against violence, exploitation and discrimination against women and girls, as well as promote their participation in peacebuilding, civic engagement and community development.
The communique calls for stronger partnerships among government, religious and traditional institutions, development partners and other stakeholders to build resilient women, stronger families, peaceful communities and a resilient Nigeria.
