The women’s wing of Nasirul llahi Fathi Society of Nigeria (NASFAT) has commenced arrangements towards empowering Muslim women through capacity building, empowerment, health care, Islamic values and community developments as part of its 23rd Women Week, 2022.

The weeklong event is scheduled to hold between October 16 to 20 and usually brings thousands of women together from all professions across zones and branches and the diaspora to discuss and enlighten women on matters related to women’s development.

Speaking at the media briefing, which herald the commencement of the event, the National Women Affairs Secretary, Alhaja Suweebah Bola Kupolati, said this edition will explore the potential solutions to challenges facing Muslim women and girls.

“This edition is focusing on the theme: ‘Muslim Women in a Challenging World: Attaining Success Here and Hereafter. This theme could not have come at a better time than now when there are so many challenges facing us today, particularly women.

“The challenges are absolutely enormous in every aspect of the women’s lives. Whether it be to do with education, healthcare, wearing of hijab, the right to have protection against violence, insecurity, rape, abuse, the list is endless.”

She noted that the event would be held across all zones and branches of our society. “The event will commence with special prayers and women connect with the youth, celebration of our elders and widows, fundraising luncheon, which aims at providing an interactive platform for members of the organisation with friends, while the grand finale will come up at the Agege Stadium, on Sunday, October 23.

She added that women are equally more affected by the insecurity ravaging the country.

“Women and children are mostly affected by insecurity in communities and countries across the globe. When women go to the farms, they are at risk of being attacked when they travel for their businesses.

“Women in Nigeria have paid a heavy price in the conflicts that have been ravaging the country, especially in the past two decades. They have endured unprecedented levels of sexual violence, along with related HIV infection, involuntary pregnancies and health complications, increased food insecurity and internal displacement.

“Level of poverty has increased and prices of food items have also gone up. Many husbands have lost their jobs, several students have been kidnapped in their various hostels and on their way to or from schools; female teenage hostages have been turned into suicide bombers and raped. Parents have been forced to keep their daughters away from school.”

Kupolati also solicited for funds to establish an international standard hospital for mothers and children.

“The NASFAT Mother and Child Hospital is a one-stop family medical facility that would provide outstanding healthcare services for every member of the family. The Mother and Child Hospital will go a long way to improve maternal and childcare

Health indices, as well as a further help to achieve universal and comprehensive healthcare coverage in the country.”