In a groundbreaking initiative to enhance the role of women in student engagement across the Islamic world, the International Islamic Federation of Student Organizations (IIFSO) has announced the establishment of Women’s Department. The decision, made following the International Leadership Summit in Istanbul in October 2024, underscores IIFSO’s commitment to empowering female students and fostering their active participation in student and community work.

The Women’s Department aims to strengthen the presence of women in Islamic student organizations by providing resources, opportunities, and platforms that enable female students to take on leadership roles. Additionally, the department seeks to promote collaboration between various student organizations, encouraging women’s involvement in academic, intellectual, legal, and other fields.

Dr. Mustafa Faisal, IIFSO’s Secretary-General, emphasized the critical importance of this initiative, stating that the establishment of the department marks a significant milestone in IIFSO’s efforts to support female leadership. Dr. Maryam Radwan has been appointed as the inaugural Director of the Women’s Department. In this capacity, she will focus on enhancing the participation of female students at both regional and international levels.

The department also aims to build networks with female leaders from diverse Islamic student organizations, fostering cooperation and coordination to advance joint projects. By expanding access to knowledge, training, and capacity-building opportunities, the department strives to create a positive impact on both student communities and the broader Islamic world.

IIFSO recognizes the vital role of women in advancing Muslim communities and views this initiative as a strategic step to nurture leadership potential, develop technical skills, and promote inclusive growth. The federation remains dedicated to supporting the intellectual and social development of Muslim female leaders while aligning with Islamic values and shared goals.

As part of its initial efforts, the Women’s Department convened an inaugural meeting with representatives from 14 countries, including Malaysia, Indonesia, Chad, Ethiopia, Lebanon, Palestine, Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, Algeria, and Mauritania. The meeting highlighted the importance of international collaboration among student organizations and identified key areas of focus for the department’s future work, particularly in advancing women’s roles in student and community engagement.

This initiative reflects IIFSO’s unwavering commitment to empowering women, fostering inclusive leadership, and shaping a more comprehensive and supportive environment for female leaders in the Islamic world.