The All India Muslim Women Association (AIMWA) organised a two-day conference in Mumbai on September 26 and 27, bringing together teachers, educationists, girls and women from different parts of India to discuss education, character building, emotional well-being and women’s empowerment.
The conference focused on the changing role of teachers, challenges facing the education sector, the concerns of young people and the role of women in families and society.
Over 600 Teachers Attend First Day
The first day of the conference was dedicated to teachers and educationists, with more than 600 participants attending from Delhi, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Nagpur, Bhiwandi, Kolkata, Midnapore, Nellore, Pune and other cities.
AIMWA Convener Waheeda Sayyid and advocate Farhana Shah welcomed the participants and spoke about the responsibility of teachers in shaping children and communities.
Sayyid said teaching should not be viewed only as a profession, arguing that teachers have an important role in influencing children and helping shape their future.
Educationist Sobia Lule from Pune spoke about the need for teachers to regularly update their professional knowledge and adapt to changing educational environments. She discussed workload, management-related pressures and emotional and mental stress among teachers.
Lule also stressed the importance of child protection and preventing exploitation and harassment in educational institutions. She said teachers have a role beyond classroom instruction and contribute to the character development of students.
AIMWA President Highlights Education Challenges
AIMWA President Dr Asma Zehra, who presided over the conference, said education could play an important role in shaping the future of coming generations.
She highlighted concerns including illiteracy, limited access to schools, shortages of trained teachers, inadequate infrastructure and changes in education policies.
Zehra called for greater coordination between teachers, principals, school management, parents and the wider community to improve access to quality education.
The conference also discussed the growing commercialisation of education and the difficulties faced by government schools, low-budget private schools and madrasas. Speakers highlighted financial pressures, poverty and educational backwardness affecting marginalised communities.
The need for collective efforts to improve education was also discussed, including proposals for a “Milli Educational Policy” and an “All India Muslim Education Board”. Zehra also called for a wider educational movement aimed at reducing illiteracy.
Women’s Workplace Challenges Discussed
The conference also discussed challenges faced by Muslim women in workplaces, including issues related to hijab and cultural identity.
Participants spoke about social and cultural pressures and the need for practical solutions to address these concerns.
A panel discussion involving more than 25 educationists, teachers and principals examined professional development, institutional responsibility, child protection and the emotional pressures faced by students, parents and educators.
AIMWA Vice President Mamdooha Majid also addressed the gathering and spoke about the importance of building connections with younger generations. She encouraged teachers to take greater responsibility for their local communities.
Second Day Focuses on Girls and Women
The second day was divided into separate sessions for girls and women.
More than 500 girls attended the morning session, which focused on education, identity, purpose, character development, emotional well-being, responsible social media use and confidence-building.
A panel discussion titled “Challenges Our Youth Face Today” gave participants an opportunity to discuss issues affecting young people and possible ways of responding to them.
The afternoon session, attended by more than 600 women, focused on parenting, social media conduct, mental health, family responsibilities and the role of women in education and social reform.
The organisers said the conference brought together participants from several parts of the country to exchange experiences and discuss challenges affecting teachers, children, women and families.
The two-day event concluded with calls for sustained efforts in education, character building, women’s empowerment and greater community participation in addressing educational and social challenges.
The conference was organised by AIMWA with support from the Aman Committee. The organisers also acknowledged the contribution of speakers, delegates, volunteers and the management and staff of Haji Saboo Siddik Musafirkhana, where the event was facilitated.
