AhlulBayt News Agency (ABNA): The conference titled “The Role of Muslim Women in Family and Society”, held in Dakar, the capital of Senegal, focused on the theme “Muslim Women and the Global Assault on the Institution of Family.”
Young Muslims and followers of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) school of thought from various West African countries participated in the event. The conference’s special guest was Ayatollah Reza Ramazani, Secretary-General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly, who traveled to Senegal at the invitation of local religious leaders.
Ayatollah Ramazani: Women Hold a Unique Role in Social Stability and Upbringing
In his address, Ayatollah Ramazani highlighted the importance of addressing women’s issues, stating, “Women play a vital role in nurturing and providing stability to society, and their impact in this regard is profound. I firmly believe that women and girls must discover their rightful place in society. In fact, they may hold the primary role in the moral and cultural development of communities.”
Equality in Attaining Spiritual Perfection
The Secretary-General further emphasized that men and women are equal in their capacity to achieve spiritual elevation. “Some claim that men are inherently superior to women, but such a notion is not supported by the Quran, prophetic traditions, or the life of the Prophet (p.b.u.h). The Quran consistently addresses both men and women together when discussing spiritual and moral virtues, and it promises lofty stations to both,” he said. “For instance, believing men and believing women are mentioned side by side in the Quran’s verses.”
Ayatollah Ramazani called on the women in attendance to actively engage in structured cultural activities. “Consider forming associations, organizations, and unions, and make sure to officially register them. This is critically important. Steps such as holding internal elections, forming boards of directors, and registering these bodies officially are essential. Every province and country should witness the emergence of such women-led Muslim organizations,” he added.
Muslim Women’s Organizations: A Voice in the Global Arena
Underscoring the importance of advocacy on the international stage, Ayatollah Ramazani stated, “Many of you are fluent in French and capable of conveying your messages to institutions like the United Nations through letters, conferences, and legal follow-ups. Do not underestimate yourselves. You are a powerful collective capable of driving change. If you adopt this mindset, your protests, such as against Israel’s crimes in Gaza, will be heard. When media reports that women affiliated with the AhlulBayt (a.s.) in Senegal voiced opposition to these atrocities, it will resonate. This is vital, and rest assured that God will support you, and you will benefit from the prayers of Imam Mahdi (a.s.).”
He concluded, “Each of you represents a force, and together, you are an indomitable power. Never allow anyone to colonize the great nation of Senegal. Praise be to God, Senegal has achieved independence, and that independence must only grow stronger with each passing day.”
**************
End/ 345
