FOMWAN STRENGTHENS GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP AT IQRA GLOBAL CONFERENCE 2026
The Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN) has strengthened its engagement in global conversations on education, artificial intelligence (AI) and sustainable development through its partnership with IQRA at the IQRA Global Conference 2026.
The conference, held on the 24th and 25th October 2026, was themed “Guiding the Digital Age: A Qur’anic Direction for Human-Centered Innovation and Sustainable Development.” It brought together stakeholders to examine how digital technologies can be guided by ethical principles to promote human development and the common good.
A significant highlight for FOMWAN was its participation as a partner, the opportunity to present keynote address and serve as panelist at one of the Panels on Women Leadership Dialogue; represented from Nigeria by two DISTINGUISHED NIGERIAN WOMEN at the
The IQRA Global Conference 2026.
Professor Ruqayya Ahmad Rufa’i, former Minister of Education, delivered the keynote address at the Women’s Leadership Dialogue, themed “Advancing Women’s Leadership in Science, Technology and Development.”
Her contribution highlighted the importance of advancing women’s leadership and participation in fields that are essential to innovation, educational advancement and sustainable development.
Dr Salma Anas Kolo, Special Adviser on Health to the President, presented a paper on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
Her presentations added to discussions on the importance of science and technology in human development and the need to strengthen opportunities for participation in these critical fields.
The contributions of these distinguished women complemented the conference’s central theme, “Guiding the Digital Age: A Qur’anic Direction for Human-Centered Innovation and Sustainable Development.”
Their participation reinforced the importance of women’s representation in leadership, the advancement of scientific knowledge and the development of inclusive approaches to technology and innovation.
For the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN), these discussions align with its commitment to promoting the education and empowerment of Muslim women and girls. They also underscore the need to encourage greater access to science and technology education, digital literacy, skills development and leadership opportunities.
FOMWAN’s participation as a conference partner, alongside its recognition as the only women’s organisation in the global group, provides an opportunity to build on these discussions and strengthen its contribution to initiatives that advance women, education and sustainable development.
The National Amirah of FOMWAN, Dr Sumaye Fadimatu Hamza, IFPF, actively participated in the conference preparations and discussions, contributing the perspective of an organisation committed to women’s empowerment, education, family wellbeing and community development.
In her closing remarks, Dr Hamza expressed appreciation to IQRA for the partnership and the opportunity given to FOMWAN to contribute to the conference.
She emphasised that knowledge is a trust that must transform character and benefit communities. Reflecting on the growing influence of artificial intelligence, she noted that technological advancement must be guided by wisdom, compassion, justice and responsibility
stressing that technology should serve humanity without diminishing human dignity or displacing the values that make people humane.
She further emphasised that progress is meaningful when it improves people’s lives and ensures that no community is left behind.
A central message in the National Amirah’s remarks was the indispensable role of women in the digital age.
Observing that women contribute significantly as educators, caregivers, entrepreneurs, researchers and community leaders. Their lived knowledge and experiences must therefore inform the design and application of digital technologies.
Dr Hamza therefore called for expanded access to digital literacy, science and technology education, skills training, finance, mentorship and leadership opportunities for women and girls.
For FOMWAN, this presents an opportunity to strengthen its work in education, empowerment, family wellbeing and community development by encouraging Muslim women and girls to embrace beneficial technologies while remaining firmly grounded in faith and good character.
The National Amirah reaffirmed FOMWAN’s commitment to partnerships that promote knowledge, character development, women’s empowerment and service to humanity.
She expressed appreciation for the collaboration with IQRA and looked forward to strengthening the relationship in support of ethical innovation, inclusive education and sustainable development for families, communities and the Ummah.
She reminded participants that the success of the conference would ultimately be measured not only by the discussions held but also by how faithfully its lessons are applied in homes, institutions and communities.
Another significant development was the presentation and adoption of a declaration that had been developed and discussed before the conference.
The declaration provides an additional outcome of the conference. Its specific provisions will be communicated following the circulation of the final approved document.
FOMWAN’s involvement in the IQRA Global Conference 2026 is significant in several respects:
– Global visibility: Recognition as the only women’s organisation in the global group provides an opportunity to strengthen the representation of Muslim women in international conversations on education and technology.
– Strategic partnership: Collaboration with IQRA creates opportunities for knowledge-sharing, joint initiatives and sustained engagement.
– Women’s digital inclusion: The conference reinforces the need to equip women and girls with the skills, resources and opportunities to participate meaningfully in the digital economy.
– Ethical innovation: FOMWAN can contribute an Islamic perspective to discussions on responsible technology, human dignity, accountability and sustainable development.
– Practical impact: The conference outcomes can inform programmes that support education, empowerment and community development across FOMWAN’s structures nationwide.
Conclusion
FOMWAN’s participation in the IQRA Global Conference 2026 marks an important opportunity to strengthen its global engagement and advance its commitment to the development of Muslim women and girls.
The recognition of FOMWAN as the only women’s organisation in the global group underscores the importance of including women’s voices in conversations that will shape the future of education, technology and sustainable development.
As the organisation builds on this partnership, the focus remains on translating knowledge into action, expanding opportunities for women and girls, and ensuring that technological progress is guided by Islamic values and directed towards the wellbeing of humanity.
FOMWAN remains committed to knowledge, faith, women’s empowerment and service to humanity.
Issued by: Office of the National Public Relations Officer (PRO), (FOMWAN).