The President has instructed his appointees to ensure that Muslim women were actively made beneficiaries of flagship programmes, including the National Apprenticeship and the One Million Coders Programme (1 million Youth Digital Skills Programme).

Madam Shamima Muslim, the Deputy Presidential Spokesperson, who chaired the 14th National Conference of the Ghana Muslim Mission Women’s Fellowship at the weekend in Accra, said those programmes were designed to equip the youth with employable skills and create job opportunities.

“The President has directed the leaders and the CEOs of all these programmes to ensure deliberate inclusion of Muslim women as beneficiaries. Affirmative action for Muslim women in our Zongo community for these particular programmes,” she said.

The directive, which seeks to address the historical marginalisation of Muslim women, aligns with the theme of the conference: “Muslim Women of Faith and Social Justice: Building a Sustainable Future.”

Madam. Muslim highlighted the critical role Muslim women played in society, particularly in the informal economy, where they contributed significantly as traders, food vendors, and caregivers.

She argued that their contributions must be placed “at the very heart of national transformation.”
She noted that the empowerment of women led to the upliftment of entire societies, adding that true sustainability extended beyond economics and the environment to include moral, intellectual, and spiritual dimensions.

Citing the Quran and Hadith, Madam Muslim said faith must inspire justice and translate into a sustainable legacy for the nation and future generations.

Madam Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, the Eastern Regional Minister, said the theme for the conference resonated deeply with the core values of society and reminded all of the role of a Muslim woman, which extended beyond the mosque and home, to the heart of society.

She said throughout history, Muslim women had played pivotal roles in shaping societies and cultures.
“In Islam, the examples of great women are not only of nurturers of families but also active participants in shaping communities, guiding moral conduct, and promoting justice,” Madam Awatey said.

“In the same spirit, our Muslim women today have a sacred responsibility to uphold fairness, speak for the vulnerable and contribute meaningfully to the sustainable development of the nation.

Mrs Awatey assured that government was committed to fulfilling its promise of establishing the Women’s Development Bank, to empower women by creating a nurturing environment tailored to the needs and challenges of women.

“I entreat you all to use your voice to advocate policies that promote gender equality, social justice, and environmental sustainability,” she said.

The Regional Minister commended the Fellowship for a successful event, urging them to commit to faith, justice and sustainable development to build a brighter future for all.