IBF Women's Forum 2025

SANZAF’s Islamic Business & Finance (IBF) Women’s Forum 2025 Sponsored by Al Baraka Bank

On Saturday, 23 August 2025, the Century City Conference Centre came alive with the voices, energy and aspirations of Muslim women from across Cape Town. Hosted by SANZAF and proudly sponsored by Al Baraka Bank South Africa, the Islamic Business & Finance (IBF)

Women’s Forum was an inspiring morning of wisdom, reflection and powerful conversations that left every attendee motivated to embrace their potential while staying firmly rooted in Islamic values.

The atmosphere was warm yet electric, as women gathered to connect, learn and share. From the very start, the tone was one of upliftment: a reminder that empowerment, whether spiritual, financial or personal, begins within and flourishes when nurtured by community.

With Raghma Carr guiding as MC, the room carried an energy that was both professional and heartfelt, a rare balance that left participants feeling welcomed and inspired. The panel discussions flowed seamlessly under the graceful moderation of Shaykha Basheera Hendricks Gamieldien, whose calm wisdom wove the different strands of the day together.

Panel Discussion 1: Journeying Towards a Better You

The morning opened with a focus on self-betterment, setting a strong foundation for everything that followed:

Il-haam Ahmed grounded the audience with a reminder that health and wellness encompasses all aspects of being not just physical health.

Yumna Petersen shifted the lens to financial well-being, reminding us that being intentional with our money is not only empowering but also an act of faith and responsibility.

Yasmina Francke invited attendees to reflect deeply on purposeful living, to pause and reflect on what truly matters.

Panel Discussion 2: Growing Your Influence & Impact

Nazeema Ahmed shared powerful insights on spirituality in the workplace, affirming that faith and career need not be separate but can be harmoniously aligned.

Fayruz Mohamed spoke with passion on leadership and career empowerment, encouraging women to claim their space and embrace their role in shaping change.

Faruz Jabaar closed with a moving call to remain authentic, even in challenging spaces, reminding us that integrity is our most powerful influence.

Each voice added depth to a bigger truth: that women have the power to shape, influence, and lead with authenticity and purpose

Listening to Women: Insights from SANZAF’s Women’s Empowerment Survey

In the months leading up to the forum, SANZAF conducted a Women’s Empowerment Survey to hear directly from those at the heart of these conversations: women themselves. The findings were eye-opening. More than 70% of respondents expressed eagerness to actively join task teams, lead initiatives and contribute to community programmes. At the same time, respondents highlighted real challenges: limited career growth, lack of mentorship and the struggle to balance faith, work and family. Many voiced the need for entrepreneurship support, networking opportunities and professional pathways grounded in Islamic values.

Perhaps most telling was the strong call for mentorship, over half the women surveyed sought role-model guidance while others spoke of barriers to equity and discrimination in the workplace.

For SANZAF, these findings are not statistics, they are a call to action. They shape the vision for programmes that are informed by women, for women, from structured mentorship networks to entrepreneurship incubators, to Islamic values-based workplace training.

A Closing Filled with Gratitude

As the event drew to a close, the vote of thanks delivered by Fadheela Akoojee wrapped the event in gratitude for the inspiring panellists, the engaged audience and the sponsors who made it possible. Special heartfelt gratitude goes to Al Baraka Bank South Africa, whose partnership ensured that this vision could come to life.