Muslim women meet in Abia to address insecurity, economic hardship

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The Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria will on Friday commence its 2026 Annual National Conference in Umuahia, Abia State, with more than 600 participants expected to attend.

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The conference, themed “Faith, Resilience and Responsibility: Muslim Women Responding to Challenges,” will bring together women leaders, scholars, professionals, entrepreneurs, youth representatives, development practitioners, policymakers and community stakeholders from across the country.

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Addressing journalists in Umuahia on Thursday, the 11th National Amirah of FOMWAN, Dr Sumaye Fadimatu Hamza, said the theme reflected the realities of the country and the need for collective action to address challenges confronting Nigerians.

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She said Nigeria continued to face insecurity, economic pressures, youth unemployment, social fragmentation, climate-related challenges and humanitarian crises affecting millions of citizens.

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Hamza said, “These realities call for renewed commitment, collective responsibility, and purposeful leadership.”

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She added that Muslim women, guided by faith and inspired by service, believed challenges should not lead to despair but should inspire resilience, compassion, innovation and constructive action.

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“Faith provides moral direction, resilience enables us to persevere, and responsibility compels us to contribute meaningfully to the wellbeing of our communities and nation,” she said.

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According to her, the conference will provide a platform for dialogue, reflection, learning, networking and collective action on issues including faith and national uncertainty, resilient families, women’s role in peacebuilding, education and economic empowerment, security, climate change, humanitarian crises and youth mentorship.

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Hamza said the discussions were expected to produce practical recommendations aimed at strengthening families, communities and institutions.

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She said FOMWAN had, for more than four decades, contributed to education, healthcare, humanitarian services, women’s empowerment, youth and family development, peacebuilding, gender and human rights, research and community development.

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The organisation called for increased investment in education and skills development, mental health and psychosocial support, women’s empowerment and leadership, youth mentorship, family strengthening, peacebuilding, climate adaptation and humanitarian assistance.

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FOMWAN also called for stronger partnerships among stakeholders to address the challenges confronting vulnerable populations and promote sustainable development.

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