Don faults discrimination against Muslim women

A lecturer at the Lagos State University, Dr Ganiyat Tijani-Adenle, has lamented the growing discrimination against Muslim women in Nigeria.

Dr Tijani-Adenle said that Muslim women are heavily marginalised in various aspects of life, including education, employment and politics in the country.

The university lecturer said that this has many times put some women in tight corners, and are often forced to choose between their faith and career in some situations.

Dr Tijani-Adenle disclosed this on Friday in her keynote address delivered at the opening ceremony of the four-day 8th biennial women’s conference of NASFAT held at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta.

She spoke on the theme of the conference “Strengthening Women Leadership through Empowerment and Islamic Values”.

Dr Tijani-Adenle said one of the most pressing issues is the restriction on the wearing of hijabs in government schools, agencies such as the police, and hospitals, among others.

She said, “Inequality in Nigerian society is a serious issue for women, especially Muslim women. For instance, Muslim girls in various schools in some places in Nigeria are denied the right to wear hijab on their school uniform.

“Why is it that a Muslim woman who is a police officer cannot wear hijab on their uniform? This is unfair. Why is it that our Muslim sisters, who are nurses, cannot wear their long skirts and hijab? Must they wear shorts before they can render healthcare service?

“Muslim women will go for an interview and pass the interview but will be denied employment because of their hijab, no matter the length of the hijab.”

The university lecturer said the government and every other stakeholder should address any form of discrimination that may not allow Muslim women to achieve their full potential.

Speaking earlier, the Deputy Governor of the State, Engr Noimot Salako-Oyedele, said that the current administration frowns at women’s marginalization and has constantly initiated different empowerment programmes for women in the state.

Salako-Oyedele also stressed that the Abiodun-led government has always encouraged women’s inclusion, reassuring the women that the state government will continue to ensure equal treatment between men and women in Ogun.

“Islam has always championed the cause of development in Nigeria, and we will continue to support women’s empowerment,” he said.

In her welcome address, the National Women Affairs Secretary of the Islamic Society, Alhaja Ganiyat Babalola, said that over 1000 participants are expected to grace the conference and that people could also join virtually across the globe.

Babalola said that the essence of the conference is to further build in women the capacity to contribute towards having a more prosperous society.

She said that the theme of the conference has been thoughtfully chosen in line with the LEAD thrust agenda of the current National Executive Council(NEC) of NASFAT revolving around leadership, empowerment, serving as an agent of change and
dawah.

Babalola explained that the 4-day conference will feature visitation to General Hospital Ijaye, Abeokuta, during when some items will be donated, sightseeing of Olumo rock and Adire Kampala market, a walk for fitness/ aerobics, a workshop on environmental sustainability where the concept of zero waste, zero plastic and backyard farming shall be discussed in details among others