Iftar is the meal eaten by Muslims at sunset to break their fast during Ramadan, marking the end of each day of fasting.
Beyond its religious significance, it is also a time of gathering, reflection and community. Increasingly, women-led groups and individuals are elevating this sense of community by incorporating empowerment and impact-driven sessions into Iftar gatherings, creating intentional spaces that support, inspire, and uplift Muslim women.
Over the past week, The Mirror observed some Iftar events organised by different groups, not only to give Muslim women the opportunity to bond, but also to learn from accomplished women leaders in society.
Events
One of such events was the Legacy & Wealth Circle Iftar, an initiative of Amanah Global, a non-governmental organisation that seeks to bring together influential women leaders who are passionate about leadership, legacy and giving back.
They shared insightful experiences on leadership and reflected on how their personal values had shaped their journeys and professional lives.
In an interview with a Co-Founder of Amanah Global, Zainabu Issah, she explained that beyond the conversations and connections, a highlight of the event was the unveiling of the legacy project, a fundraising initiative aimed at renovating and activating the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the Mamobi Polyclinic in Accra.
The project seeks to transform a currently non-functional facility into a fully operational unit capable of providing critical care for vulnerable newborns.
Another such event was Light of Her Deen, jointly organised by the founder of Kuburah Diamonds Foundation, Adiza Ibrahim, and Ghana’s Most Beautiful (GMB) 2024 winner, Queen Nihad Titiaka Oases Ibrahim.
Held at Electroland Ghana in Accra on the theme: “Rooted in Deen: Balancing Spirituality, Ambition, and Well-Being”, the gathering brought together students, early-career professionals, entrepreneurs and emerging leaders.
Kuburah explained that the session was an informal mentorship space where accomplished Muslim women from diverse sectors shared insights from their personal and professional journeys.
“Across Ghana, many young Muslim women are striving to balance their faith (Deen) with the demands of education, career development, social life and personal well-being. While role models exist, access to safe, relatable mentorship spaces remains limited.
“Light of Her Deen is designed as a Grand Ramadan Iftar and informal mentorship forum that brings together accomplished Muslim women and young women in an atmosphere of sisterhood, reflection and inspiration,” she explained.
At the Ibis Style Hotel at Airport, Accra, last Friday, a former winner of the Ghana’s Most Beautiful contest, Betty Achawa Sackey, who is also the Brand Director of Vetabelle, a wellness and beauty brand for women, also organised an Iftar for Muslim women.
Ms Sackey told The Mirror in an interview last Wednesday that, although she was not a Muslim, her brand had led numerous women empowerment initiatives and she saw the Ramadan Iftar as an opportunity to connect with her Muslim sisters.
“The idea behind the gathering was to include Muslim women in meaningful conversations while also introducing Vetabelle’s products, such as the compact feminine hygiene bidet, designed to fit easily in a bag or pocket.
“We felt it was important, during the holy month of Ramadan, to celebrate and connect with our Muslim sisters. The sky holds limitless possibilities for every woman. Whatever they aspire to achieve, they should see themselves as doers, not just dreamers,” she said.
Impact and empowerment
What ties these three events is a shared commitment to empowering Muslim women and creating a positive impact on society.
Ms Issah explained that they were committed to sustaining the Legacy & Wealth Circle Iftar as an annual event, continuously expanding the network of women they brought together.
“Looking ahead, we aim to involve even more women from diverse sectors and regions, using this platform to support additional maternal and child health projects so that the ripple effects of each gathering extend far beyond the ballroom,” she noted.
Ms Sackey added that Vetabelle had planned to expand its mentorship and masterclass programmes, focusing on financial literacy and skill monetisation for women.
“A woman who is financially stable is a woman who cannot be manipulated. We want every woman to live a life she chooses, and we aim to bring our sisters along on this journey,” she said.
“Light of Her Deen is more than an Iftar, it is a mentorship, empowerment and spiritual renewal experience designed to nurture confident, grounded, and purpose-driven Muslim women,” Kuburah added.
Fashion and aesthetics
Being women-focused events, attendees arrived in their stunning abayas, hijabs, and carefully coordinated accessories, bringing elegance and personality to the gatherings. At all of these events, organisers paid careful attention to creating beautiful, photogenic ambiences that encouraged memory-making and celebration.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh