Alter nation Special Edition 19 (2017) 175 - 191 175 Electronic ISSN: 2519 - 5476 ; DOI: https://doi.org/10.29086/2519 - 5476/2017/sp19a8 Muslim Women and Social Responsibility in Nigeria: Contributions of the Federation of Muslim Women ’ s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN)

Abstract

This paper explores the various ways in which Federation of Muslim Women's Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN) has acted as a socially responsible organisation in Nigeria. Since the 1980s several Muslim women led organisations have emerged in Northern and Southern parts of Nigeria, some of which have formed networks to advocate for Muslim women's rights. Therefore, to identify the contributions of FOMWAN in Nigeria, this article looks at the emergence of Federation of Muslim Women's Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN) in particular, an organisation which was established more than three decades ago. Drawing empirical evidence from activities of FOMWAN and using historical and descriptive approaches to analyse the data, this study outlines how FOMWAN strategically engage in development projects and thus further their own vision of development. This paper discovers that FOMWAN envisages a world where women are completely enabled to be good role models in making a beneficial impact in the society. FOMWAN supports the religion of Islam in Nigeria through Da'wah (invitation and propagation), the establishment of educational institutions and other outreach activities. It also works towards the improvement of the conditions of the people, especially women, youths and children through training, provision of qualitative education, health, and humanitarian services, micro-enterprise scheme and advocacy as ways of playing its social responsibility role. It is, therefore, anticipated that this paper will add to the body of knowledge on Muslim women, especially as it relates to Nigeria and provides some insights to Muslim women organisations operating in Nigeria.