By Ebere Agozie
Women professionals from diverse faiths and professional backgrounds have pledged to champion Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) and promote inclusive communities across Nigeria.
The commitment was made on Saturday at a national roundtable organised by Faith and Freedom Africa (FFA) Nigeria in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the one-day dialogue, themed “Women as Champions of FoRB and Inclusive Communities”, brought together female professionals, faith leaders, legal practitioners, civil society actors and development experts from different states.
The participants examined challenges confronting religious freedom, particularly those affecting women, and explored practical measures to strengthen peaceful coexistence.
In his opening remarks, the Country Representative of FFA Nigeria, Mr Felix Samari, described the gathering as a strategic platform for dialogue, learning and collaboration.
“The protection of Freedom of Religion or Belief is fundamental to democracy, peace and human dignity,” he said.
Samari noted that women had a critical role in promoting religious tolerance and social inclusion.
He urged participants to engage with open minds and mutual respect, saying meaningful dialogue would help break stereotypes, build trust and strengthen relationships across faiths.
“The diversity of perspectives represented at the roundtable will contribute to building more peaceful and inclusive communities across the country,” Samari added.
A major highlight of the event was a presentation by Sheikh Ibrahim Habeebullahi of the National Mosque, Abuja, on Islamophobia and Freedom of Religion or Belief.
Habeebullahi said FoRB guaranteed every individual’s right to hold, practise, change and publicly express religious beliefs while respecting the rights of others to do the same.
He described Islamophobia as prejudice, hostility and discrimination against Muslims or those perceived to be Muslims.
According to him, negative stereotypes, misinformation and unfair assumptions continue to fuel religious intolerance.
The Islamic scholar urged participants to reject prejudice and become advocates of understanding, dialogue and peaceful coexistence.
Quoting the Holy Qur’an and the Bible, he said genuine religious teachings promoted compassion, justice and respect for human dignity.
He added that defending religious freedom meant protecting the rights of people of all faiths rather than advocating only for members of one’s religion.
During the interactive sessions, participants identified major obstacles confronting women and shared experiences on addressing them within their respective communities.
They listed the challenges to 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.
The participants agreed that tackling the challenges required sustained collaboration among government institutions, faith communities, civil society organisations and the media.
They unanimously adopted the Abuja Communiqué, outlining practical measures to strengthen religious freedom and inclusive communities.
The communiqué committed participants to promoting FoRB awareness in workplaces and communities, encouraging interfaith dialogue, eliminating discrimination, mentoring young people, and supporting research, digital advocacy and leadership development for women.
The participants also reaffirmed their commitment to serving as ambassadors of peace, religious tolerance and national unity, expressing optimism that women could play a leading role in building a more inclusive and harmonious Nigeria.
NAN reports that 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. (NAN)
(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Emmanuel Afonne