Muslim women group condemns Gaza ‘genocide’

The Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN) on Wednesday opened activities marking its 40th anniversary in Kaduna with a call for greater investment in women’s empowerment, climate resilience, and community development.

The group also condemned the killings in Gaza, describing them as genocide against women, children, and other vulnerable populations.

Speaking at a press briefing ahead of its international conference tagged Kaduna 2025, National Amirah of FOMWAN, Rafiah Sanni, said the association’s four decades had been defined by service, resilience, and faith.

“This year’s theme, Empowering Muslim Women: Climate Resilience, Sustainability, and Community Development, reflects our renewed focus on addressing global challenges,” she said.

Founded in 1985, FOMWAN has grown into one of Nigeria’s largest faith-based female networks with structures in all 36 states and the FCT. The group said it operates in more than 700 of Nigeria’s 771 LGAs and has established nearly 3,000 basic schools nationwide, with a School of Nursing under construction in Ibadan and plans for a university in the works.

“At 40, we are not just celebrating years but celebrating service, faith, and our commitment to building communities where

women and children can thrive,” Sanni said.

She noted that the Kaduna conference, which formally opens on Thursday, would attract delegates from the United States, the United Kingdom, and several African countries, focusing on climate change, women’s leadership, and interfaith collaboration.

Sanni also praised Governor Uba Sani for providing a secure and welcoming environment for delegates.

But beyond celebration, the Amirah condemned what she called “relentless atrocities” in Gaza.

“For months, the world has watched with deep sorrow as women, children, the elderly, humanitarian workers, and journalists have been killed in indiscriminate bombings. Homes, schools, hospitals, and places of worship have been destroyed, leaving families in despair. These killings amount to genocide,” she declared.

She called for urgent global solidarity and humanitarian support, praying for relief, healing, and liberation for the people of Gaza.