By Ebere Agozie
Some Women professionals from diverse faiths and professional backgrounds have united to champion Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) and promote inclusive communities across Nigeria.
The women gave their commitment at the national roundtable organised by Faith and Freedom Africa (FFA) Nigeria on Saturday in Abuja.
The one-day dialogue had the theme ‘Women as Champions of FoRB and Inclusive Communities’.
The event brought together female professionals, faith leaders, legal practitioners, civil society actors and development experts from different states.
They examined challenges confronting religious freedom, particularly as they affect women and to develop practical solutions for strengthening peaceful coexistence.
The Country Representative of Faith and Freedom Africa, Mr. Felix Samari in his opening remarks described the gathering as a strategic platform for dialogue, learning and collaboration.
Samari noted that the protection of Freedom of Religion or Belief is fundamental to democracy, peace and human dignity, stressing that women have a critical role to play in promoting religious tolerance and social inclusion.
He urged participants to engage with open minds and mutual respect, noting that meaningful dialogue helps to break stereotypes, build trust and strengthen relationships across faith lines.
He equally expressed confidence that the diversity of perspectives represented at the roundtable would contribute to building more peaceful and inclusive communities across the country.
A major highlight of the event was a presentation by Sheikh Ibrahim Habeebullahi of the National Mosque, Abuja, who spoke on Islamophobia and Freedom of Religion or Belief.
He explained that FoRB guarantees every individual’s right to hold, practise, change and publicly express religious beliefs while respecting the rights of others to do the same.
The Islamic scholar described Islamophobia as prejudice, hostility and discrimination against Muslims or those perceived to be Muslims, warning that negative stereotypes, misinformation and unfair assumptions continue to fuel religious intolerance.
He urged participants to reject prejudice and become advocates for understanding, dialogue and peaceful coexistence.
Quoting both the Holy Qur’an and The Bible, Habeebullahi stressed that genuine religious teachings promote compassion, justice and respect for human dignity.
He reminded participants that defending religious freedom means protecting the rights of people of all faiths rather than advocating only for members of one’s own religion.
During the interactive sessions, participants identified some of the obstacles confronting women, exchanged experiences and recommended practical solutions tailored to their respective communities.
Some of the challenges include discrimination based on religious identity and appearance, gender-based violence, religious extremism, political exclusion, workplace bias and inadequate public understanding of Freedom of Religion or Belief.
They agreed that these challenges require sustained collaboration among government institutions, faith communities, civil society organisations and the media.
The participants, thereafter, unanimously adopted the Abuja Communiqué, which outlines practical measures to strengthen religious freedom and inclusive communities.
They pledged to promote FoRB awareness in workplaces and communities, encourage interfaith dialogue, eliminate discrimination, mentor young people and support research, digital advocacy and leadership development for women.
Participants reaffirmed their commitment to serving as ambassadors of peace, religious tolerance and national unity, expressing optimism that women can play a leading role in building a more inclusive and harmonious Nigeria.
The programme ended with the presentation of Certificates of Attendance by Dr. Ahmad Aminu of the Department of History and Diplomatic Studies, University of Abuja to participants.
