WPRU achievements at AHAS KIRKHS TAKREEM 2024 aligns with theme of International Women’s Day 2025, ‘Accelerating Action’

By, Rohaiza Rokis

On the eve of International Women’s Day 2025, which falls on 8 March, Women for Progress Research Unit (WPRU) is delighted to reflect on its joyful experience of receiving multiple prestigious awards during the recent AHAS KIRKHS TAKREEM 2024 event, held on 19 February 2025. This esteemed event recognised the outstanding contributions of academic, administrative, and technical staff at AbdulHamid AbuSulayman Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences (AHAS KIRKHS). Notably, many WPRU members were honoured for their remarkable achievements, highlighting the role of women in driving change and innovation within academia and beyond. WPRU’s celebratory award reception closely aligned with the theme of International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025, ‘Accelerate Action.’ 

The recognition of WPRU members embodies the essence of ‘Accelerate Action’ by highlighting their commitment to research, leadership, and development initiatives that promote gender equity, knowledge production, and institutional excellence. Their achievements testify to how empowering women in education and research can advance progress in addressing societal challenges, fostering inclusive leadership, and paving the way for future generations.

I with delight would like to share in this article on WPRU recipients; one of them is myself who had received Gold Awards for the “Breakthrough Research Award” and the “Exemplary Consultancy Award.”

Another WPRU award recipient was Assoc. Prof. Dr. TS Dr. Shafizan Mohamed who had received the Gold Award for the “Research Leadership Award” and the “Leading Intellectual Property Excellence Award.”

Dr. Sharifah Fatimah Alzahrah Syed Hussien also received two awards: the “Professional Community Engagement Excellence Award (GOLD)” and the “High Impact Synergised Activities Award (BRONZE).” And, Dr. Wan Madiha Ramlan was recognised with the “Academic Quality Assurance Liaison (AQAL)” award for her outstanding contributions.

By celebrating the achievements of these women, AHAS KIRKHS TAKREEM 2024 honours their dedication and emphasises the ongoing significance of efforts toward gender inclusivity and empowerment – principles that align with the global call to enhance initiatives for equality, innovation, and sustainable impact.

In return, the WPRU supports the philosophy of the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) in various ways, fostering positive transformation within the university. By aligning its mission with IIUM’s commitment to holistic education and ethical scholarship, WPRU cultivates an inclusive academic environment that promotes gender equity, research excellence, and community development.

“Accelerate Action” by Leading Cutting-Edge Research towards Empowering Women

WPRU embodies the spirit of ‘Accelerate Action’ by pioneering innovative research on women’s issues, especially concerning Islam and modern society. It seeks to generate data-driven insights into the challenges women face in academia, leadership, and various professional fields through interdisciplinary studies.

‘Accelerate Action’ by Empowering Women Through Training, Mentorship, and Leadership

WPRU embodies the ‘Accelerate Action’ theme by equipping women with the skills and opportunities necessary to excel in academia, leadership, and professional fields. Through training programmes, mentorship initiatives, and leadership workshops, WPRU plays a vital role in empowering women scholars, students, and professionals at IIUM.

‘Accelerate Action’ by Expanding Women’s Empowerment Beyond Academia

WPRU embraces the theme of ‘Accelerate Action’ by expanding its influence beyond academia through strategic partnerships with local and international organisations. It actively promotes women’s economic and social empowerment by forming alliances and ensuring that knowledge and research drive meaningful change.

‘Accelerate Action’ by Bridging Gender Discourse with Islamic Principles

At an Islamic university like IIUM, the WPRU is uniquely positioned to ‘Accelerate Action’ by integrating Islamic ethics and jurisprudence into discussions on women empowerment. In an era where diverse cultural and ideological perspectives often shape gender discourse, it can provide an authentic, faith-based approach to gender studies that aligns with Islamic principles while advocating for progressive change.

WPRU addresses misconceptions about women’s roles in Islam through research and scholarly dialogue. This approach emphasises that equity, leadership, and empowerment are deeply rooted in Islamic teachings. It ensures that discussions on gender remain culturally and religiously relevant while fostering a balanced and inclusive narrative that resonates within Muslim societies and beyond. Harmonising tradition with progress catalyses meaningful change, empowering women at IIUM and throughout the broader Muslim world within the framework of Islamic values – a true embodiment of ‘Accelerate Action’ in academia, society, and faith.

“Accelerate Action” by Creating Platforms for Gender Discourse and Scholarship

WPRU drives the ‘Accelerate Action’ agenda by promoting intellectual engagement and scholarly contributions on gender issues. By organising conferences, seminars, and panel discussions, WPRU creates a dynamic platform for scholars, students, and activists to exchange ideas, challenge perspectives, and advance meaningful discourse on women’s empowerment.

Beyond dialogue, WPRU plays a crucial role in shaping the academic landscape through its publications and journals, thereby enhancing the growing body of literature on women’s advancement in education, leadership, and social development. These scholarly contributions keep research on gender equity and empowerment at the forefront of academic and policy discussions, influencing institutional reforms and community initiatives. By promoting knowledge production and thought leadership, WPRU advocates for women’s empowerment within IIUM and the broader Muslim world, ensuring that gender discourse remains informed, impactful, and action-oriented.

AHAS KIRKHS TAKREEM 2024 celebrates and reinforces the achievements of academia at the Kulliyyah while engaging individuals and the community in fulfilling their intellectual, educational, and social roles. It serves as a testament to the Kulliyyah’s commitment to enhancing the visibility of activities organised, participated in, and championed by the AHAS KIRKHS community, including members of WPRU.

WPRU has the potential to transform IIUM into a regional and global hub for gender-related research and advocacy. It can significantly contribute to the university’s mission of producing balanced and principled individuals. Through its efforts, IIUM can remain a beacon of progress, not only for Muslim women in Malaysia but also for women worldwide seeking empowerment within an Islamic framework.

(These are views of Assoc Prof Dr Rohaiza Rokis, Head, Women for Progress Research Unit (WPRU) and affiliated with AbdulHamid AbuSulayman Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences (AHAS KIRKHS), International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) which do not represent IIUM Today’s.)