Muslim Women’s National Leadership Conference was hosted today at the Victorian Parliament in Australia today. The event was graced by the presence of Dr. Ghazala Qadri and Mrs. Fizzah Hussain Qadri as chief guests. Esteemed members of parliament, commissioners, and influential women from the Victorian community were in attendance.

Among the distinguished guests were Ellen Sandel (MP) and Leaders of the Greens Party (Victoria), Brownyn Halfpenny (MP), Luba Grigorovitch (MP), Lauren Callaway, Assistant Commissioner of Victoria Police, and Inspector Dagman Anderson (Victoria Police).

Dr. Ghazala Qadri delivered a keynote speech on "Empowering Women Through Islamic Principles and the Role of Minhaj-ul-Quran Women League." She emphasized the need to address gender inequalities, particularly in developing countries, and the importance of challenging societal and religious stereotypes. She highlighted the teachings of Islam that advocated for women's full participation in all areas of society and stressed the necessity of drawing upon the Holy Quran and Prophetic traditions to empower women. She outlined the three fundamental elements of empowerment: agency, resources, and opportunities, and discussed how Minhaj-ul-Quran Women League is actively working to provide these through various initiatives.

Dr. Ghazala began by recalling this year's International Women's Day theme, "Inspire Inclusion," underscoring the ongoing struggle for gender equality. She highlighted the vital importance of addressing the gender biases and inequities that persist in society, particularly those impacting women in developing countries.

Emphasizing the necessity of challenging religious stereotypes, she acknowledged that women in many Muslim countries face difficult situations due to stringent patriarchal structures, often stemming from local cultural practices and conservative misinterpretations of Islamic scriptures. She echoed the words of the founder of Minhaj-ul-Quran International, Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr. Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri, stressing that any society, especially a Muslim one, cannot prosper without the effective involvement of women and the practical implementation of the rights given to them by Islam.

Dr. Ghazala Qadri elaborated on the three basic elements of empowerment:

1. Agency: The ability of a woman to make decisions independently and freely, providing her with a sense of self-worth and the right to determine her choices. She cited Quranic verses that recognize the equality of men and women and emphasize personal freedom.

2. Resources: Access to resources that allow women to act upon their choices. She discussed the economic challenges women face, particularly in developing countries, and highlighted Islamic principles that encourage women's financial independence.

3. Opportunities: The importance of providing women with opportunities to utilize their agency and resources. She detailed various initiatives by Minhaj-ul-Quran Women League to improve women's financial situations and provide them with skills and opportunities for self-sufficiency.

She also stressed the importance of education, healthcare, and creating environments where women feel valued and respected. She highlighted Minhaj-ul-Quran Women League's commitment to ensuring women's education, healthcare, and empowerment through various programs and initiatives worldwide.

The conference, which lasted several hours, concluded with an engaging informal interaction session, fostering meaningful connections among the guests and speakers. The day wrapped up with a guided tour of the Parliament.