Muslim women have been encouraged to play more active roles in leadership and governance as part of their Islamic responsibility to promote justice, accountability and the welfare of society.
The Iya Sunnah of Egbaland and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) deputy governorship candidate in Ogun State, Dr. Lateefah Sowunmi-Kolapo, made the call during the inaugural summit of the Egba Muslim Women Forum (EMWOF) held in Abeokuta.
Addressing participants, Sowunmi-Kolapo stressed that although the forum must remain non-partisan, Islam encourages believers to be actively engaged in promoting the common good and supporting righteous leadership.
‘Leadership is an amanah (sacred trust), and Muslim women should be prepared to serve with integrity in education, healthcare, public institutions and other sectors where they can positively impact society and contribute to the growth of Islam,’ she said.
She noted that responsible civic engagement, advocacy for justice and support for accountable leadership are consistent with Islamic teachings, adding that Muslim women should understand public policies and contribute to shaping a society founded on moral values.
Sowunmi-Kolapo described the inauguration of the Egba Muslim Women Forum as the beginning of a movement to empower Muslim women to become agents of positive change within their homes, communities and the wider society.
She urged Muslim women to embrace unity above personal, organisational or political differences.
The PDP deputy governorship candidate also identified growing social challenges-including drug abuse, cybercrime, cultism, declining family values, the negative influence of social media and economic hardship-as issues requiring greater attention from Muslim mothers.
She urged Muslim women to nurture children with sound Islamic morals, integrity and discipline, emphasising that strong families are the foundation of a righteous and prosperous society.
Also speaking, Ogun State Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, described the inauguration of the forum as a significant step toward strengthening the collective voice and influence of Muslim women across Egbaland.
She said bringing together women from different Muslim organisations under one umbrella would foster unity without erasing their individual identities.
Delivering the keynote lecture, Deputy Director at the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, Mrs. Rasheedah Ibrahim, also called on Muslim women to rise above organisational differences and work together in the interest of the Ummah.
‘We want to rise above organisational differences and embrace collective responsibility. Let us speak with one voice on matters affecting our community,’ she said.