As Nigeria’s vibrant social and religious landscape continues to evolve, the role of women’s groups in driving positive change remains at the forefront. The Nasrul-Lahi-l-Fatih Society of Nigeria (NASFAT), a leading Islamic organisation with deep roots across the country and the West African sub-region, has unveiled robust plans for its 26th Annual Women’s Week. Themed “Rooted in Faith, Rising with Vision: Muslim Women Transforming the World,” this event is poised to unite Muslim women and leverage faith as a catalyst for empowerment and societal progress.
According to Alhaja Ganiyat Babalola, NASFAT Women Affairs Secretary, the annual gathering from Sunday, October 12 to Sunday, October 19, 2025, will bring together over 3,000 NASFAT women from Nigeria, Ghana, other parts of Africa, and the diaspora. Participation will be hybrid, ensuring women from all corners join physically or virtually—a testament to NASFAT’s innovative embrace of technology and inclusivity.
A Week Packed with Diverse Activities
This Women’s Week goes far beyond a ceremonial celebration. The planned activities cut across age groups, backgrounds, and interests, demonstrating NASFAT’s dedication to holistic community development.
- Opening Day (Oct 12): The week starts with a special congregational prayer and a Women Connect session, creating space for fellowship among youth, children, and elders across NASFAT branches.
- Entrepreneurship & Culture: A trade fair will showcase goods from registered vendors, providing exposure to women-owned businesses, while chorale recitations, quizzes, and folk fairs spotlight the region’s cultural richness.
- Voluntary Fasting & Outreach (Oct 13): On Monday, members participate in fasting and coordinate the distribution of essential items to orphanages and correctional centres—an act that underscores NASFAT’s commitment to compassion and social responsibility.
- Skill Building (Oct 14): Tuesday’s program equips women and girls with craft skills, including bag, slipper, and home décor production using leftover fabrics—addressing both economic empowerment and sustainable development goals.
- Community Elders Focus (Oct 15): Wednesday dedicates resources and support to ailing, elderly, and widowed members who might be isolated due to age or infirmity, reflecting deep respect for elders in Nigerian society.
- Digital Missionary Engagement (Oct 16): Thursday features an online missionary session to foster spiritual and educational growth, bringing teachings directly to participants wherever they are.
- Health, Worship, and Screening (Oct 17): Friday incorporates health initiatives—eye screening in partnership with the World Health Organisation and hepatitis B testing—alongside the finals of a Qur’an recitation competition and a special Jumu’ah (Friday) prayer at the Lagos State Secretariat Mosque.
- Awareness and Fundraising (Oct 18): Saturday’s highlights include a fitness walk and aerobics, focusing on raising awareness to end gender-based violence as part of the UN’s 16 Days of Activism. The day concludes with a fundraising luncheon at NASFAT headquarters to rally support for women’s projects.
- Grand Finale (Oct 19): The week culminates in a major gathering at the NASFAT Islamic Centre in Aseese, bringing energy and momentum to the society’s causes.
Spotlight on Empowerment and Social Impact
Alhaja Ganiyat Babalola explained that this year’s Women’s Week aims not only to celebrate women’s achievements but also to further promote Islamic values, enhance women’s welfare, and push for sustainable empowerment projects. NASFAT’s leadership envisions women as pivotal agents of social transformation, citing both spiritual and practical advancement as essential to Nigeria’s future.
One of the major goals for the 2025 event is to raise at least N500 million for a new Women’s Development Centre. This ambitious project, according to NASFAT officials, will house a modern skill acquisition hub, a 50-bed hostel, and a secure transit home for female survivors of gender-based violence—a growing concern across West Africa. Such infrastructure is crucial to supporting women in distress and helping them regain their independence.
The society is also seeking assistance to complete its Islamic Centre, which is reportedly already 60 percent finished. Additionally, NASFAT appeals for the donation of a mini-bus to facilitate humanitarian outreach—a logistical support that may seem simple but has a sizeable impact on the lives of women and families who rely on the society’s services.
Addressing Pressing Health Needs
Healthcare remains a persistent challenge for many Nigerians, especially in underserved communities where access to eye care, preventive testing, and educational resources is limited. The inclusion of free eye screenings, in collaboration with the World Health Organisation, and hepatitis B testing in the event’s lineup marks a step toward closing health equity gaps. According to Lagos-based public health advocate Dr. Aisha Ogunleye, “Community-based screening initiatives like those by NASFAT are essential. They can catch diseases early, inform participants about preventive measures, and foster a culture of regular health checks, which Nigeria urgently needs.”
Inspiring the Next Generation: Focus on Girls and Youths
Women’s Week also shines a spotlight on the future generation through the efforts of NASFAT’s new non-governmental organisation, Silver Lining for Women and Children Support Initiative. The group focuses on scholarships for girls, provision of business start-up kits to empower trained women, and vital support for orphans and girls who are out of school. These targeted initiatives are critical not just in Nigeria, but across Ghana and West Africa, where educational opportunities for young women remain unevenly distributed.
Testimonies from past beneficiaries highlight the difference these outreach projects can make. Fatima Suleiman, a participant from Ibadan, shared, “Through NASFAT’s programs, I gained sewing skills and support to start my small tailoring business, which now supports my family.” Her story mirrors many others, showing the power of grassroots efforts in uplifting communities.
Challenges and Calls for Broader Collaboration
Despite these successes, obstacles remain. Limited resources, high demand for support, and social stigma around gender-based violence threaten to slow progress. Experts stress the need for continuous advocacy, collaboration with government agencies, and engagement with corporate and private donors to move the needle on women’s rights and empowerment on a large scale.
Alhaja Babalola, in her remarks, called on government, businesses, and citizens to support NASFAT’s work:
“By supporting women, we are supporting the very foundation of a prosperous society.”
Stakeholders also urge increased investment in educational initiatives, mental health support, and effective data collection to track project impact over time. According to Abuja-based development consultant Chinedu Eke, “Non-profits like NASFAT have shown what is possible, but broader policy action and sustainable funding are needed to scale these efforts for all women across Nigeria and West Africa.”
Connecting Local Efforts to the Global Agenda
Events such as NASFAT’s Women’s Week resonate far beyond immediate communities. Their alignment with global advocacy—the United Nations’ 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, for example—demonstrates Nigeria’s and the region’s growing engagement with worldwide calls for equality and justice. Greater awareness, more resources, and cross-border collaborations will be key in closing the gender gap and building resilient, inclusive societies from Lagos to Accra and beyond.
As preparations continue for the milestone event in October 2025, local observers are watching closely to see how NASFAT’s vision for women and children evolves, and how the momentum generated will influence broader policy and community action in West Africa.
How do you think grassroots organisations like NASFAT can make a bigger impact in empowering women and addressing social issues in Nigeria or across the continent? Share your thoughts and join the conversation below.
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