FOMWAN calls for social reforms to cushion impact of economic downturn

The Federation of Muslim Women’s Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN) has called on governments at all levels to undertake the required social reforms to address the impact of economic down turn particularly as they affect sustainability of marriage institutions.

Arising from its 32nd National Conference held in Kano State, the umbrella body of Muslim Women organizations in Nigeria, observed the frequent collapse of family structure which is contrary to the provisions of Shariah and its attendant contributions to the vicious circle of poverty in the country.

National Ameerah (President), FOMWAN, Hajia Aminat Omoti, who signed the communiqué said the group is also disturbed that by the threat to Nigeria’s economic growth and development posed by the huge number of out-of-school children which is partly attributable to the menace of drug abuse and addiction in the society.

The group also recommended that parents take up their God-given responsibilities for their wives and children as a religious body.

Noting that more young people are taking illicit drugs, it called on law enforcement agencies and other relevant organizations at federal and state levels to implement the legislation on the importation and use of Tramadol and other addictive drugs.

The group further called on government and Non Government Organisations (NGOs) to intensify premarital counseling and testing for HIV screening, genotype and hepatitis in order to reduce their prevalence and subsequent adverse effects on individuals and their economic activities.

FOMWAN also recommended that government and other agencies offering empowerment programmes must accompany it with adequate business education and management skills for the prospective beneficiaries in a language they can understand.

It added that: “FOMWAN and other Islamic NGOs/ Civil Society organizations should seek to create more access to available and halal empowerment programmes through awareness creation among the generality of Muslims.

“Government at all levels and non-governmental actors including FOMWAN should as a matter of urgency invest in Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) to enhance economic activities at all levels, towards improving internally generated revenue and foreign exchange earnings,” it stated.

The women however enjoined youths to explore the vast available potentials in agriculture and agro-allied ventures to reduce the rate of unemployment among them.