FOMWAN marks 40th anniversary, calls for climate resilience, end to Gaza killings

The Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN) has launched activities to mark its 40th anniversary with a strong call for women empowerment, climate resilience, and call  for an end  to Gaza killings. 

Speaking at a press conference at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat, Kaduna, the National Amirah of FOMWAN, Mrs. Rafiah Idowu Sanni, said the organisation remains committed to strengthening communities while equipping women and youth to thrive in modern society without losing their values.

The conference, tagged Kaduna 2025, has the theme: “Empowering Muslim Women: Climate Resilience, Sustainability, and Community Development – Celebrating FOMWAN’s Achievements.” Delegates from the UK, US, and African countries are expected to participate.

Sanni said the theme reflects FOMWAN’s recognition that empowering women today requires preparing them to meet tomorrow’s challenges by combining faith, knowledge, and practical solutions for a resilient future.

Founded in 1985, FOMWAN operates in all 36 states and the FCT, with a presence in more than 700 local government areas. 

The group has established nearly 3,000 basic schools and is currently building a School of Nursing in Ibadan, Oyo State, while plans for a FOMWAN University are underway.

According to her, the association’s work rests on five pillars: Da’awah (propagation of Islam), education, community development, healthcare, and capacity building for women and youth.

The National Amirah commended Governor Uba Sani and the people of Kaduna State for hosting the event in a peaceful and welcoming atmosphere. She prayed for continued wisdom and strength for the governor.

Sanni stressed that the anniversary was not just about celebration but about service, faith, resilience, and commitment to building communities where women and children can thrive.

She, however, used the platform to strongly condemn the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, describing it as genocide against women, children, the elderly, and even humanitarian workers and journalists.

“We frown at what is happening there, particularly the indiscriminate killings of women, children, and journalists—acts that violate every standard of humanity and international law,” she said.

FOMWAN called for global solidarity, an end to the bloodshed, and urgent humanitarian support to restore dignity and hope to victims of the crisis.

Sanni prayed for relief for the people of Gaza, healing for the wounded, patience for the bereaved, and liberation for the oppressed.