The Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Ghana (FOMWAG) was established to unite Muslim women across Ghana, empowering them through education, advocacy, and socio-economic initiatives. Before its formation, Muslim women in Ghana, despite forming a significant portion of the Muslim population, lacked a unified voice on issues affecting them.
Many were illiterate and excluded from key decision-making Processes, limiting their participation in national development. FOMWAG emerged to bridge this gap, providing a platform for Muslim women to collaborate, advocate for their rights, and contribute meaningfully to society while upholding Islamic principles.
Undoubtedly, women were hailed in the Qur’an for the critical roles they played in society. As vicegerents of Allah, the FOUNDERS heeded the Qur’anic imperative to “Arise” to promote good and forbid indecency in society. Thus, FOMWAG, which was inaugurated in 1997 as an umbrella organisation, serves as a rallying point for the critical mass of Muslim women with varied expertise needed for the development of Muslim women, to unite women to give them a formidable voice.
Through workshops, seminars, community outreach programs across the country, the Founders sensitized and conscientized Muslim women on their rights and responsibilities, the importance of Islamic education for their empowerment and self-actualization, as the first phase of the movement.
The Founders’ heed to this call for transformation of Muslim women’s lives through Islamic education has impacted tremendously. FOMWAG’S gains have manifested in Muslim Women’s awareness creation and confidence, pursuit of Islamic knowledge, acquisition of higher/professional education, educational projects, entrepreneurship, etc.
The Vision of FOMWAG, which mirrors its developmental agenda of empowerment, is as relevant today as when FOMWAG was established. Today, the associated challenges must be addressed through leveraging technological advancement which lies in the bosom of the youth.
It is heartwarming to note, Alhamdullillah, that Muslim women are being moved from the periphery of the periphery to the centre. For us Founders, the Association should endeavour to remain more relevant for the sustainable development of Ghanaian Muslims.