The RISEAP Leadership & Management Workshop 2026, held in Sydney on the weekend 13–14 June 2026 at Dar-ul-Islam in Bonnyrigg was an inspiring gathering that brought together women from diverse backgrounds for two days of learning, leadership development, and sisterhood.
The workshop was organised in partnership with RISEAP, Seena Incorporated, and the Muslim Women’s National Network Australia (MWNNA), a national organisation dedicated to supporting, representing, and empowering Muslim women across Australia.
The workshop was attended by 26 distinguished Muslim women leaders representing diverse regions, including Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, as well as Indonesia and Malaysia, underscoring its transnational reach and collaborative spirit.
The program on Saturday 13 June commenced with recitation by Dr Hafiz Wali Bokhari, grounding the day in spiritual reflection followed by welcome by Mrs Mehar Ahmad, President of Seena Inc.
The keynote address was given by Dato Dr Marzuki Omar, Honorary Secretary General of RISEAP, who emphasised the importance of education, leadership, and service in strengthening Muslim communities in the region.
Participants were also moved by a tribute to the late Hajjah Aziza Abdel Halim AM, presented by Prof Doa El-Ansary, Ms Zubeda Raihman, and Ms Jan Zwar, celebrating her enduring legacy of dedication and community service.
Throughout the workshop, attendees engaged with a diverse range of contemporary topics.
Ms Mobinah Ahmad, former Managing Editor of AMUST and currently working with OnePath Network, led sessions on Understanding Your Digital Identity and Islam, Social Media and Digital Presence, encouraging women to navigate the digital world with confidence, authenticity, and purpose.
Leadership and personal growth were further explored by Ms Alhame Ardati in her presentation on Sisterhood and Leadership in Islam, supported by interactive discussions with Ms Najia Khalil.
Participants were encouraged to view leadership as a form of service and to embrace their role as changemakers within their families and communities.
On Sunday 13 June the program commenced with a presentation by Mr Zia Ahmad OAM, Editor-in-Chief of AMUST and Mrs Mehar Ahmad offering candid insights into the challenges of running Australasian Muslim Times in a minority Muslim context, balancing editorial integrity with community representation.
Ms Mariam Ardati’s presentation, “You Die Only Once,” inspired attendees to live with greater purpose, resilience, and spiritual awareness.
Important community issues were also addressed by Ms Anne Lanyon on ecological sustainability while Ms Galila Abdelsalam outlined Australia’s aged-care reforms.
Dr Hanip Pujiati, the Secretary of Wanita Islam, provided a comparative perspective on aged care services in Indonesia and challenges across Muslim communities in the region with opportunities for collaboration.
What made the workshop truly memorable was the spirit of unity, learning, and mutual support that filled the room. Women shared experiences, built lasting connections, and left feeling inspired and empowered.
As one participant reflected, “This workshop was more than a gathering; it was a reminder that when women lead with faith, knowledge, and purpose, entire communities are strengthened.”
The event concluded with a heartfelt dua by Mrs Mehar Ahmad, seeking Allah’s blessings for the participants, their families, and their communities.
Her prayer for unity, sincerity, compassion, and service beautifully captured the essence of the workshop—a gathering dedicated to empowering women, strengthening sisterhood, and inspiring faith-driven leadership for the benefit of the wider community.
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