The National Muslim Women’s Organisation of Trinidad and Tobago (NMWOTT) primary objective is to foster sisterhood and promote the advancement of women in Trinidad and Tobago. Incorporated over twenty years under the visionary Feroza (Rose) Mohammed, to support each other and educate all persons and their communities spiritually, socially, and culturally. Within the sisterhood, the values of graciousness are upheld, and needs are attended to compassionately, in both good times and times of trial. This organisation was formed not to change anyone’s belief but instead, to create an atmosphere of friendship, peace, love, and harmony.‘As we move further into the 21st century, we wish to maintain a vibrant and dynamic organisation with a close-knit Islamic sisterhood. As Muslim women, we must take positions at the forefront, as contributors to our society in every way. May God bless this organisation, move us from strength to strength and keep us solid as a rock with unity and harmony,” shared by the entire NMWOTT executive.
Food Security Initiative–25,000 seedlings distributed
Food security isn’t just a question of the availability of food, nor of the financial resources to access it. People must also have consistent access to quality, nutritious foods to ensure food security. It is reported that “If women had the same access to agro-economic resources as men, agricultural and farming production would increase and we could feed approximately 150 million more people.” (FAO, 2021). The National Muslim Women’s Organisation of Trinidad and Tobago distributed twenty-five thousand seedlings to schools to commemorate World Environment Day 2022. This is also part of our ongoing project, “Let’s Plant for Food Security”. The objective of this project is to encourage children to plant food, eat fresh local foods, share the food which is produced as well as save money and reduce the food import bill. We hope to make this a sustainable project by continuing to encourage the growing of plants that provide food and improve the health and wellness of our communities.
Anti-bullying campaign and empowering projects
Bullying is a reality for a considerable proportion of adolescents around the world and in Trinidad and Tobago, it is no different. In 2017, we launched our campaign on anti-bullying with “FACES of Kindness” which we presented to various primary and secondary schools. The objective of this project was to build self-esteem, and arouse awareness of how acts of violence that occur at school or home can be reported and dealt with.
To reach a wider cross-section of schools, in 2018, our educational symposium for post-SEA and Form One students was conceptualised. Over 500 students attended “Transitioning from Primary to Secondary School” at SAPA, San Fernando. The students were treated as dynamic performers and presenters with positive elements on managing bullying, stealing, fighting, extremism, substance abuse, and alternatives to the norms.
This project was a tremendous success and as a result, in 2019, we hosted over three hundred girls at yet another empowering session “Just for Girls”. Topics delivered were: “You and Your Body”, “Etiquette and Table Manners” and performances by Arts in Action and Girl Be Heard. This year after a three-year Covid break, we are extending this symposium at a more inclusive level, hosting “Just for Boys” on 17th May 2023 at SAPA.
Protecting all families, and our children (boys and girls) against violence is the path towards more peaceful and inclusive societies, as called for by UN SDG 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. To fully realize their potential, children require a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment in which to grow, learn, thrive and succeed. Towards this desired outcome, the commitment of NMWOTT is guaranteed.
Message for Eid
Eid-ul-Fitr is one of the most revered festivals for Muslims all over the world and commemorates the end of the holy month of Ramadan. A month of self-restraint, piety, generosity, and spiritual strength.The National Muslim Women’s Organisation of Trinidad and Tobago wishes that on this special day, you and your family be blessed by the grace of Almighty Allah with unlimited joy, good health, prosperity, and happiness. We must remember that Allah is always with us, to guide and help us, in every step of life. Despite the challenges we face in our daily lives, live a daily life of kindness, compassion, and humility so we can make our society a better one.
Eid Mubarak 2023
Zenobia S Mohammed
President of the National Muslim Women’s Organisation of T&T 2021-2024