Lajna Imaillah (Ahmadi Muslim Women’s Auxiliary), Chennai, organised a conference on “Women Empowerment: A Pathway to National Prosperity and Peace” on 17 August 2025 at Masjid Mahmood, Kodambakkam. My humble self chaired the event, which was aimed at presenting the true teachings of Islam on women’s rights and empowerment, while encouraging and bringing together the voices of women from varied professional and social backgrounds. The programme sought to emphasise that women’s empowerment is a shared responsibility essential for national peace and prosperity.

The event commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Ayesha Nazir Sahiba, followed by the recitation of an Urdu poem by Ishratunnisa Sahiba. The Tamil translations of the Quranic verses and the Urdu poem were rendered by Atham Rehana Sahiba (Secretary Taleem) and Jameela Nooruddin Sahiba respectively, helping the guests comprehend their meanings. Shajitha Parveen Sahiba, the General Secretary of Lajna Imaillah Chennai, who hosted the event, gave an introduction about the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and Lajna Imaillah and warmly welcomed the guests. A documentary titled “Faith in Action” was then screened, highlighting the Community’s services worldwide and showcasing the remarkable contributions of Ahmadi Muslim women across various fields.

The conference was enriched by the inspiring speeches of distinguished guests, including Dr Namitha Bhuvaneshwari (Retired Director, Regional Institute of Ophthalmology and Government Eye Hospital, Chennai, and presently Head of the Department of Ophthalmology, Meenakshi Medical College Hospital and Research Institute, Kanchipuram), Assistant Professor Dr R Sunitha, PhD, Mrs Naga Abhinaya BE (Founder and Principal, Alpha GenO Play School and Managing Trustee, Aram Karkai Educational Trust, Chennai), Dr Poornachandrika (psychiatrist), Dr Thulasi Priya (Gynaecologist), and Dr R Bharathi (Professor, Government Dental College and Hospital, Chennai).

This was followed by the recitation of another Urdu poem by Fathima Farhana Sahiba and Khaula Naeem Sahiba, with its Tamil translation presented by Raheema Farooq Sahiba (Nasirat Secretary). A keynote address on “Women’s Rights in Islam” was delivered by Mariyam Siddiqua Sahiba, Secretary Outreach, Lajna Imaillah Chennai, emphasising the Islamic principles of equality, dignity, and women’s empowerment.

As the Chairperson of the event, my humble self delivered the presidential address, highlighting the Holy Prophet^sa’s teachings on interfaith harmony and reflecting on the guidance of the Second Khalifa of the Community, Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad^ra, addressed to women at the inception of Lajna Imaillah in 1922. I also expressed heartfelt gratitude to all the guests for accepting our invitation. The programme concluded with a silent prayer.

An exhibition highlighting the true message of Islam and the contributions of women to the nation and society was also organised as part of the event. A bookstall was arranged alongside the exhibition, offering visitors an opportunity to explore the literature of the Community.

As a token of appreciation, the guests were presented with gift bags comprising the English translation of the Holy Quran, the books World Crisis and the Pathway to Peace and Women in Islam, along with a few leaflets. The guests deeply valued the insightful discussions, engaging exhibition, and gracious welcome extended by Lajna Imaillah Chennai. Over one hundred women participated in the event, acknowledging the significance of women’s empowerment as a vital step towards fostering peace and national development.