Al-Qalam 
By Nabeelah Shaikh
In recognition of Women’s Month, The Muslim Youth Movement of South Africa (MYMSA) recently hosted a ‘Celebration of Women’ event at the Al-Ameen Musjid Hall in Chatsworth, leaving attendees not only uplifted but empowered too.
With a line-up of influential speakers and a diverse audience, the event succeeded in creating a platform where women could unite, share experiences, and inspire one another to reach new heights. The atmosphere at the event was described as electric, filled with women from all walks of life, young and old, who gathered with a common purpose: to celebrate their collective strength and resilience.
The Master of Ceremonies, Salma Mather, a 17-year-old member of MYMSA Ambassadors for Change, set the tone for the day with her youthful energy.
“I am a firm believer that the most important part of activism is awareness. I think for people to be empowered, they have to realise that they can be empowered,” Mather said.
She said the event helped women leave the event feeling that they could do anything.
“I wanted them to feel that their nieces, daughters, and female relatives can do great things. That young people are not defined by their age and are capable of amazing things,” said Mather.
Mather’s words at the event struck a chord, especially with the younger attendees, who saw in her a reflection of their potential.
The event was not just about celebrating women’s achievements but also about planting seeds of empowerment in the minds of future generations.
One of the event’s key speakers, Dr. Mariam B Khan, a doctor of Natural Medicine specialising in women’s health, delivered an insightful talk.
The event also featured radio personality Zakia Ahmed Siddiqi, who added her voice to the chorus of empowerment, urging women to embrace their strengths.
Amaarah Baluwa, another student from the Ambassadors For Change programme, highlighted the significance of the event in bringing women together.
“The event was important because it helped women come together and motivated them to support each other. It showed them that together we can strengthen each other and build a community where women are respected, educated, and supported. The key takeaway was that every woman seated there knew their importance,” Baluwa said.
Baluwa’s sentiment was echoed by many in attendance, who felt a renewed sense of solidarity and purpose. The event created an environment where women could openly discuss their challenges, share their stories, and offer each other support.
Safiya Vally, a volunteer at the Africa Muslims Agency, emphasised the importance of such community events in providing support for women facing difficult circumstances.
“We don’t know what they are dealing with behind closed doors. Today, there are issues like domestic violence and depression. There are so many factors that affect women. They get to meet other women who are going through the same things as them,” Vally said.
For many women, the event was also a much-needed reminder that they are not alone in their struggles.
Yasmin Ahmad, an attendee, expressed how the event helped her realise that there is strength in vulnerability and community.
“It was a platform for us to feel like we are free. It taught me that there are people out there who are prepared to listen to women who are facing problems. There are other women they can talk to who understand them. Women don’t need to fear or feel oppressed,” Ahmad said. She said her confidence was bolstered by the day’s activities.
Rosanna Mustafa, a trauma counsellor and entrepreneur, also said the event was impactful.
“It was about life, it was about humanity. I learnt that we need to be givers to receive. Everyone’s coming from their backgrounds, and there are a lot of people who know others who are going through trauma. So for me, it’s about how much more I can do to help because there are so many women going through this,” she said.
Overall, women said the event not only empowered them but also left them with a renewed sense of purpose and a reminder that, together, they are stronger.
