Rania Award honours influential women and inspires future leaders

By Husna Fathiyyah

GOMBAK, 24 February 2024: The Muslim World Rania Award ceremony is not just a mere acknowledgement and honour of people’s achievements, it symbolises the duty of Muslim leaders to expand business and trade networks beyond Islamic countries, as well as inspiring more women to contribute their expertise to various industries.

The Chairman of the Muslim World Rania Award, Dr. Laila Rani binti Dato’ Dr. Raja Mohamad Abdullah, mentioned the importance of acknowledging Muslim women leaders in her opening speech at the event.

The third Muslim World Rania Award 2024 ceremony took place on 23 February 2024, in Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC). It was organised by the Association of Muslim World Business and the Islamic Centre for Development of Trade of Morocco (ICDT), a subsidiary of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

According to Dr. Laila Rani, Muslim women face a lot of stereotypes and unique challenges, “However, they have managed to overcome obstacles and achieve success through distant determination, resilience and innovation.”

She also pointed out that Muslim women have made, “…significant strides in the world of business over the years, breaking barriers and excelling in various industries,” including the beauty industries, tech sectors, educational entrepreneurship and digital education solutions.

Mr. Muhammad Raja Talib Bin Dato’ Dr Raja Mohammad Abdullah, Chief Executive officer of Muslim World BIZ added that the Rania Award recipients are, “…eminent women who have broken glass ceilings, have pushed the frontier of women’s leadership and have paved the path for other women and girls to follow in their footsteps and become future leaders.”

A total number of 14 recipients graced the stage in the event, and they were from Senegal, Nigeria, Iran, Malaysia, Singapore, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain. 

Among the award recipients was a prominent figure in astrophysics and space science who has played a pivotal role in Malaysia, the United Nations and the international scientific community, including the National Angkasawan Programme, Professor Emerita Tan Sri Dr. Mazlan Othman.

Another recipient was a minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law & Institutional Reform), YB Dato’ Sri Azalina Binti Othman Said, who has reformed the law through the introduction of stalking offences in the Penal Code, the abolishment of the death penalty and amendments of law governing the rights of children.

The event was officiated by Malaysia’s First Lady, YB Dato’ Seri Dr. Wan Azizah Binti Dr. Wan Ismail.

The Muslim World Women’s Summit 2024 that was scheduled in conjunction with the award, was postponed and will be held on July 2024.***