GOVERNMENT at all levels and other stakeholders have been advised to address the issue of discrimination against Muslim girls and women.
The advice was the crux of the message of a lecturer at the Lagos State University, Dr Ganiyat Tijani-Adenle, at the opening of the Nasrul-lahi-li Fathi Society (NASFAT) eighth Biennial Women’s Conference held recently in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
Dr Tijani-Adenle lamented the growing discrimination against Muslim women in Nigeria, saying many have been made to choose between their faith and career in many situations.
The don, speaking on the theme of the conference ‘Strengthening Women Leadership through Empowerment and Islamic Values’, wondered why Muslim girls and women were barred from wearing hijabs in government schools, hospitals and government agencies such as the police.
“Inequality in the Nigerian society is a serious issue for women, especially Muslim women. For instance, Muslim girls in various schools in some places in Nigeria are denied the right to wear hijab on their school uniform.
“Why is it that a Muslim woman who is a police officer cannot wear hijab on their uniform? This is unfair. Why is it that our Muslim sisters who are nurses cannot wear their long skirts and hijab. Must they wear shorts before they can render healthcare service?
“Muslim women will go for an interview and pass the interview but will be denied employment because of their hijab, no matter the length of the hijab,” she said.
The Ogun State deputy governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, said the present administration in the state had ensured equal treatment between genders in the state.
She added that the current administration frowned at women marginalisation and had constantly initiated various empowerment programmes for women in the state.
“Islam has always championed the cause of development in Nigeria, and we will continue to support women’s empowerment,” Salako said.
The National Women Affairs Secretary of NASFAT, Alhaja Ganiyat Babalola, said the essence of the conference was to further women’s capacity to contribute towards having a more prosperous society.
She said the theme of the conference was chosen in line with the LEAD thrust agenda of the current National Executive Council (NEC) of NASFAT which revolves around leadership, empowerment, serving as agent of change and Da’wah.
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