Muslim women in Nigeria have said that they play more important roles in
the family and society than to be seen as sex objects.
They expressed displeasure with the numerous challenges that the society
has subjected them to, noting that they are reformists.
Some of the women spoke at the 2018 Sisters’ Enlightenment Programme,
organized by the Sisters Circle of the Muslim Students Society of
Nigeria, Lagos State Area Unit at the Lagos State Polytechnic, Isolo.
The SEP, which had about 2000 females in attendance, saw experts
discussing the roles of women in the society.
The head of the females (Amirah), explained that there was need for
awareness about key issues facing women in recent times.
She said, The 21st century woman has been subjected to a whole lot of
ridicule in the society and it has gone a long way to affect her social
standing. She is seen as a sex object, good for marketing products and
also to satisfy lustful desires of men.
Women are placed on a high pedestal where they seem to be valued for
their bodies and not their brain. Although learning to love oneself could
be a difficult and long road, we need to stop looking at other people and
look at ourselves.
There is no gainsaying that the Muslim woman has a critical role to play
in reforming the society. In Her World is a carefully chosen theme for
this year’s SEP which is solely aimed at bringing to limelight, the
struggles and realities facing the Muslim woman in her spiritual life,
career, health, education as well as other aspects of her life.
Former Women Leader of Nasrullahi-l Fathi Islamic Association (NASFAT),
Nafisat Arogundade, implored the women to be good ambassadors and to
strive to be righteous.
Dont be discouraged by the challenges posed on us by the society, we
have a greater role to play, she added.
While speaking on the theme, ‘In Her World’, Proprietor of Pace Setters
Academy, Ibadan, Toyyibah Abdul Salam, called the attention of the women
to the importance of proper children upbringing in the society.
She said, A woman should be in the company of the righteous people and
friends. She uses the best method for children upbringing. She treats her
husband well and treat his parent like she would treat her parent.
Being a woman is an all-encompassing role. It demands that we uphold the
correct tenets of Islam by our actions and in actions. We need to train
ourselves to be unique individuals who do not conform to the absurd
societal standards prevalent in our society.
“Perfect your roles, you can do better in your roles and duties. Forget
the saying that says what a man can do a woman can do better, for our
responsibilities are different. Females should work and be better in their
responsibilities.
On her part, Director of Succour Psychological Health and Services,
Ibadan, Lazbah Aroyewun while speaking on the sub-theme, ‘The Self
Concept’, warned women against low self-esteem.
Aroyewun said, The ideal self is the self that you aspire to be. It is
the one that you hope will possess characteristics similar to that of a
mentor or some other worldly figure. Prioritising the western culture
affects our way of thinking and behavior.
“Be confident. High self-esteem equals to high self-worth. It is the
approval and value that you place upon yourself.”