Cairo, October 11th, 2023 – The Women Development Organization (WDO) held on Wednesday the finale of its webinar series “Islam and Cultural Practices”, in a high-level closing episode featuring WDO’s Executive Director, H.E. Dr. Afnan Alshuaiby and the Secretary General of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy, H.E. Prof. Koutoub Moustapha Sano.
“Islam and Cultural Practices” aims to debunk incorrect cultural practices that are falsely believed to be based on Islam. The finale discussed “Women’s Financial Independence” and was available in English, Arabic, and French to be accessible to attendees from all of WDO’s member states.
The finale aimed to shed light on the right to financial independence guaranteed by Islam to women, and discuss the societal ideas that have led to a shift from knowing women's financial rights and preserving those rights.
Women tend to lack access to the same opportunities that men receive when it comes to financial independence, so it is especially important that we help women by highlighting and protecting the rights that women have already been granted when it comes to their own financial independence. This would lead directly to women’s financial strength increasing, even without the need for society or governments to step in and help her,” stated Dr. Alshuaiby.
The Executive Director highlighted the different definitions of financial independence, discussed the challenges that face women in achieving financial independence, and its importance to women and society as a whole. She also said that women should have the right of choice to either work or stay at home and look after their children.
On his part, Prof. Sano stated that women should decide what to do with their money, highlighting that there is no difference between men and women when it comes to financial independence according to Islam. He also said that women working is not only allowed in Islam but actually ordered, as work is a form of worship that is required from both men and women alike.
The Secretary-General also discussed the critical question of inheritance in Islam, mentioning that the religion of Islam is immensely concerned with justice and that even though brothers get to inherit more than their sisters, they are required to provide for their sisters.
At the end of the webinar, attendees got the chance to join the discussion by asking their questions and sharing their thoughts with Dr. Alshuaiby and Prof. Sano.
To conclude the webinar, Dr. Alshuaiby announced that WDO will be participating in OIC’s Forum on Women in Islam which will take place in November 2023.
The high-level conclusion to the webinar series follows the success and high turnout of the first three episodes. The four sessions of the webinar will be available on WDO’s website and YouTube channel. Check out the WDO’s website and social media platforms to learn more about our programs.
