. Rolls out programmes for 2021 Women Week
By Sulaimon Salau
TheWomen Wing of Nasrul-Lahi-L-Fatih Society (NASFAT), has bemoaned the rising insecurity in the country, even as it solicits for support towards the development of its Mother and Child Hospital, planned to be located in Lagos.
The National Women Affairs Secretary, Hajia Suweebah Bola Kupolati disclosed this during a press conference to herald its 22nd Annual Women’s Week Celebration slated for between 3rd and 10th October 2021.
Kupoluti said the various programmes rolled out for the Week would hold across its 360 branches within and outside Nigeria.
She said the Annual NASFAT Women’s Week brings women together from all professions, across zones and branches, and Diaspora to discuss and enlighten women on matters related to women development, promoting Islamic values in family and community developments and the realization of the society’s mission and vision.
Traditionally, it is a week-long event, holding across all Zones and Branches of our great society commencing with special prayers and celebration of NASFAT elders and widows. It also includes a fundraising dinner to raise funds for the N100 million NASFAT Mother and Child Hospital, while Grand Finale will come up at the NASFAT Islamic Centre, Aseese on Sunday 10th of October, 2021.
The planned hospital, according to her, will be a one-stop family hospital providing outstanding healthcare services for every member of the family.
“The Mother and Child Hospital will go a long way to improve maternal and childcare health indices, as well as further help to achieve universal and comprehensive healthcare coverage in the country,” she stated.
Lamenting on the insecurity in the country, Kupolati said this year, the women seek to beam the searchlight on finding lasting solutions to the rising wave of different forms of insecurity in the society which has become a major threat to life and property; and a source of serious concern to all and sundry.
“It is on this premise that the theme of this year ‘Ending Insecurity and Sustaining Peace – Strategies and Resources for the Muslimah’ is informed.
“Women and children are mostly affected by the insecurity issues in communities and countries across the globe. Women in Nigeria have paid a heavy price in the conflicts that have ravaging the country, especially in the past two decades.
“They have endured unprecedented levels of sexual violence, along with related HIV infection, involuntary pregnancies and health complications, increased food insecurity and internal displacement. When women go to the farms, they are at risk of been attacked, they are at risk of been attacked when they travel for their businesses.
Members of NASFAT Women Management Committee, during the press conference in Lagos.
“Level of poverty has increased and prices of food items have also gone up. Many husbands have lost their jobs, several students have been kidnapped in their various hostels and on their ways to or from schools; female teenage hostages have been turned to suicide bombers, raped, parents have been forced to keep their daughters away from school” she stated.
The NASFAT women leader said Muslim women can and should play a significant role in ensuring peace in their communities and countries around the world.
Other programmes slated for the week, includes; health talks, charity visits to orphanage homes, hospitals and correctional centre, women empowerment, visits to government and private schools for campaign against kidnappings, and sexual gender-based violence.
Others are: Community work at markets and environmental talk, an online programme for NASFAT women with the missionary towards building capacity of women on Islamic knowledge, finals of female participation in Qur’an recitation and quiz competition, and Jumat service during which the Mission Board prays for the nation, walk for fitness and health screening (Ear, Nose and Throat Examination), fun fair and a Lecture on “Ending Insecurity and Sustaining Peace- Strategies and Resources for the Muslimah” to be held at NASFAT Islamic Centre, Asesee, Ogun State.
