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Women empowering women to achieve the best for all

In the wider scope of things, bringing women into the mainstream and their role in decision making at all levels is vital in maintaining a sustainable global development, and significantly improving the quality of life for individuals

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Diversity of opinions, skills, talents and competencies

Empowering women promotes diversity, as every individual brings new ideas and different skills to the table, be it at home or in the office

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Empowerment is not a destination rather it is a journey one must be willing to make

Women empowerment is about giving women the opportunity to shine and showcase their talents and therefore, allowed to give back to society

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Empowering women requires devotion and boundless efforts

Women empowerment in its very essence is the undertaking by women to create and recreate their own purpose, regardless of the circumstances

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Women empowerment is not about equality, its about individuality

“And one day she discovered that she was fierce, and strong, and full of fire, and that not even she could hold herself back because her passion burned brighter than her fears.” ― Mark Anthony

Helping women realise the sky is the limit

Empowering women and recognising institutions that enable their success.

Empowerment of women is often discussed in forums, seminars, and global platforms, yet its true impact lies in tangible action, leadership, and institutional commitment. In today’s evolving world, empowering women is not only a social imperative but a strategic priority for sustainable growth and inclusive development.

WOMANi is a global platform dedicated to advancing women’s leadership while also recognising the organisations and institutions that actively support, promote, and enable their progress. Through its report, awards, and strategic initiatives, WOMANi brings together individuals and organisations that are shaping the future of Islamic economies and beyond.

The initiative aims to raise awareness, provide opportunities, and celebrate both individual achievements and institutional excellence in fostering diversity, inclusion, and women’s empowerment. By doing so, WOMANi highlights best practices, leadership journeys, and impactful contributions across markets and sectors.

This independence and inclusion are fundamental to building a more equitable, resilient, and prosperous global economy, and align closely with broader sustainable development objectives.

While women have held leadership roles throughout history, they continue to remain underrepresented across industries. WOMANi seeks to contribute to changing this narrative by recognising excellence, encouraging leadership, and promoting environments where women can thrive.

WOMANi is committed to supporting a future where women and organisations together drive progress in a more inclusive, balanced, and forward-looking global landscape.

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WOMANi
PATRON-IN-CHIEF

STELLA COX, CBE
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It is almost ten years since WOMANi embarked upon its mission to raise awareness of influential women who are active in Islamic finance and business. During the time elapsed since, we have witnessed a transformation within our Islamic financial services industry, apparent also within various other halal economy sectors that are very closely aligned with us, as we have grown year upon year and extended our footprint into new markets, sectors and geographies. READ FULL MESSAGE >>

WOMANi  connects, inspires, and champions a global network of women and institutions shaping Islamic business and finance

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Empower women and the organisations that support their growth

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Provide a platform for leaders and institutions to contribute to industry dialogue and strengthen their global profiles

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Celebrate individual excellence and institutional achievements

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Create opportunities for the next generation of female professionals and forward-looking organisations

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Empowering one million women

WOMANi aims to recognise and connect leading women across Islamic business and finance while also highlighting the institutions that enable their growth and leadership. Since 2013, the initiative has engaged and supported over 5,000 women globally, and continues to expand its reach by advancing women’s leadership across government, business, and the social sector.

Over the next five to ten years, WOMANi aims to further scale its impact by empowering over 100,000 women through its programmes, partnerships, and global platform.

By bringing together individuals and organisations, WOMANi contributes to building a more inclusive and forward-looking global Islamic economy.

Empowered women since 2018
5000
Empowering women over the next 5 to 10 years
100K

WOMANi  Symposium

The WOMANi Symposium is a flagship platform that brings together leading women and influential institutions from across the global Islamic business and finance ecosystem to engage in meaningful dialogue on gender diversity, leadership, and inclusion.

The Symposium provides a space for senior professionals, policymakers, and organisations to exchange perspectives, share best practices, and explore strategies that advance women’s participation in leadership and decision-making roles.

As part of the broader WOMANi Programme, the Symposium contributes to shaping a more inclusive and sustainable global industry by connecting individuals and institutions committed to driving progress and impact.

 

WOMANi  Awards

The WOMANi Awards recognise outstanding achievements of women and the organisations that enable their success across Islamic business and finance. The awards celebrate both individual excellence and institutional leadership in advancing women’s empowerment, diversity, and inclusion.

The awards recognise both individual excellence and institutional leadership in advancing women’s empowerment, diversity, and inclusion. Through a structured nomination and evaluation process, WOMANi identifies leaders and organisations demonstrating measurable impact, strategic commitment, and forward-looking initiatives.

Open to institutions and individuals globally, the WOMANi Awards provide a credible platform to showcase leadership, innovation, and contributions that are shaping a more inclusive and sustainable industry.

While the WOMANi Programme also curates the Top 500 Most Influential Women in Islamic Business and Finance as part of its research initiatives, the WOMANi Awards operate independently through a dedicated nomination and assessment process.

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Leadership

Recognising outstanding individual achievements

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Institutional Excellence

Highlighting organisations driving gender diversity and inclusion

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Industry Impact

Celebrating contributions shaping the future of the industry

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Changing lives; one hundred WOMANi a year

Our awardees are eminent women who have pushed the frontiers of women leadership and paved a path for others to follow in their footsteps. They have become incredible role models for their countries and serve as an inspiration across industries and generations.

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An open forum for all

WOMANi Awards act as a flagship and high-profile platform to support the Islamic business and finance industry in achieving gender balance and gender equality.

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Changing the notion of women empowerment

Women empowerment is about having the right to do things the way they want and to take opportunities that are presented to them with zero limitation and without prejudice.

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Support the cause of women empowerment

Industries are investing in gender diversity and female workforce, creating a creative and sustainable work environment that is increasing profits.

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Women are leading change

There has never been a better time to celebrate women moving the industry forward. Businesses and individuals are realising the cost of losing female talent.

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Raising women to the limelight

WOMANi places the decision-making torch in their hands enabling them to light up all the spheres of life, to ensure long-term sustainability of the status of women in society.

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WOMANi  Report

The WOMANi Report is a flagship research publication that highlights the role, impact, and growing influence of women across Islamic business and finance.

Through curated profiles, industry insights, and global perspectives, the report provides a comprehensive view of women’s leadership while also recognising the institutions that support and enable their success.

A key feature of the report is the WOMANi Top 500 Most Influential Women in Islamic Business and Finance, which identifies leading women across markets and sectors based on their professional achievements, leadership roles, and industry impact.

Developed through a structured research process, the WOMANi Report combines market intelligence, editorial analysis, and stakeholder inputs to present a credible and meaningful representation of women’s contributions to the global Islamic economy.

As part of the broader WOMANi Programme, the report serves as a platform to showcase leadership journeys, highlight best practices, and promote greater awareness of diversity, inclusion, and women’s empowerment across the industry.

Womani  Supporters

WOMANi  Members

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What WOMANi
Says About Us

All praise to The Almighty.

Extremely honoured, humbled and grateful beyond words to have been included amongst the WOMANi 10 most prestigious list of leading women in Islamic business and finance.

Well done to Dr Humayon Dar, Cambridge IFA and the WOMANi team for recognising the contributions women make in Islamic business & finnace and the broader business world.

Fayruz Mohamed, South Africa

I am delighted to have been chosen as WOMANi 2021, by the reputable Islamic finance institution Cambridge IFA. Being among talented women and colleagues who are experts in their work is a great honour! This award has a special meaning for me.

Congratulations to all fantastic WOMANi of 2021!

Thank you, Dr Humayon Dar, WOMANi and Cambridge IFA team for recognising the amazing work these women contribute to IsBF and the business around the world.

Luísa Evaristo, Malaysia

I am very honoured to announce that I was at the WOMANi Awards in Dubai. I would like to thank the founder and his team for the invitation to be a part of this magnificent event and among the people who have high-ranking profiles in the Islamic finance world. Thanks Cambridge IFA.

Nerma Saracevic, Bosnia and Herzegovina

It gives me immense pleasure and gratitude to share that I have been awarded WOMANi Pakistan Award in recognition to my services in Islamic Finance Industry, not only in Pakistan, but internationally.

In addition, I would also like to share in high spirits that I have been included in the prestigious list of Top 10 Influential Women in Islamic Business & Finance 2021 globally.

All praise to Allah SWT.

Dr. Irum Saba, Pakistan

I’m blissful to be among the 300 influential women in Islamic Business & Finance for the year 2021 by reputable Islamic Institution Cambridge IFA.

Thank you Dr Humayon Dar, the WOMANi and Cambridge IFA team for recognising the talented women who continually contributing to Islamic banking and the business around the world.

Jihad Al Balushi, Oman

I’m blissful to be the first Kuwaiti ranked # 48 among the 300 influential women in Islamic Business & Finance for the year 2021- by reputable Islamic finance Institution Cambridge IFA.

Manal AlRubaian, Kuwait