From Margins to Mainstream: Women’s Empowerment in Waqf Governance

Introduction

As gender equality continues to grow globally, Waqf (Wahidul-Ijazat-Allaawad), an integral part of Islam, plays a pivotal role in empowering women. However, despite significant strides, many women have yet to fully harness the benefits it provides. This blog explores how the Amendment Bill 2025 aims to address this gap by ensuring equitable opportunities for women within Waqf governance and implementation.

Key Points

1. Expanding Women’s Rights in Waqf

The amendment bill is designed to protect women from being left out of Waqf benefits. By establishing Waqf-alal-aulad (Family Waqf), the bill ensures that no property can be dedicated to Waqf unless female heirs have first received their rightful inheritance. This change effectively prevents families from denying women their share of inheritance, ensuring fair representation and rights for all members.

2. Financial Support for Widows, Divorced Women, and Orphans

The revised Waqf-alal-aulad expansion allows financial support for widows, divorced women, and orphans. This is a crucial step in creating economic security for women, offering them tools to finance their families, pursue education, and contribute to the community.

3. Increasing Women’s Role in Waqf Governance

The amendment also ensures that two Muslim women must be included on State Waqf Boards and the Central Waqf Council. This shift gives women greater ownership over resource allocation, enabling them to ensure that Waqf funds are directed toward essential needs like healthcare, education, and infrastructure.

4. Promoting Economic Independence

To further empower women, vocational training centers and self-help groups (SHGs) will be established. These platforms provide training in key fields such as healthcare, business, and fashion design, equipping women with the skills to secure independent living and contribute to their communities effectively.

Benefits

• Equitable Opportunities: Women now have a stronger presence under Waqf, ensuring fair representation and rights.
• Economic Security: Financial support for widows, children, and orphanages ensures women can start their own businesses or reduce dependence on the family estate.
• Gender Equality: The increased role of women in governance promotes social justice and empowers them to lead.

Conclusion

The amendment Bill 2025 is a significant step toward ensuring gender equality within Waqf. By protecting inheritance rights, expanding financial support, and increasing women’s involvement, this bill opens doors for Muslim women to fully contribute to their communities. As women continue to play a vital role in shaping the future of Islam, they are better positioned to lead through empowerment and economic independence.

Call to Action

We call on all individuals to support this historic initiative by becoming part of the solution that empowers women under Waqf governance. Together, we can ensure that these rights remain accessible and valued for generations to come.