Federation Of Muslim Women Association in Nigeria (FOMWAN) and its Activities in Osogbo, 1991-2018

Abstract

The globe is replete with a plethora of sociocultural institutions. However, a significant part of them exude patriarchy and as such makes female-oriented ones scarce or irrelevant. That female-induced and focused institutions oftentimes grapple with financial, numerical and leadership challenges because their acceptability is limited compared with their male counterparts lends credence to the afore. Despite this popular anomaly, women have displayed their resilience and diligence in various manners especially in the formation and propagation of institutions that exclusively encompass female affairs. Of great surprise is that religious-related ones thrive alongside secular ones - this appears like misrepresentation of facts until one delves into the structure, trajectories, and activities of the Federation of Muslim Women Association in Nigeria (FOMWAN) in Osogbo, Osun state, Nigeria. The organization has existed and thrived for more than three decades and its sustainability buoys a lot of intricate dynamics especially viewing via the lens of sister organization. It is on this basis that the evolution and activities of Federation of Muslim Women Association in Nigeria (FOMWAN) and this paper becomes relevant. This paper thus examines Federation of Muslim Women Association in Nigeria (FOMWAN) and its activities in Osogbo between 2001 and 2018; articulates the impediments smothering its missionary enterprise in Osogbo; and highlights the impact of FOMWAN in Osogbo especially in the areas of religion and education, among others. Using historical research methods, the primary source entails oral interviews with relevant stakeholders while articles from journals, newspapers, and books constitute the secondary source. The basic finding is that a lot of developments have been attained through the establishment of FOMWAN and its proliferation in Osun State.