Sydney hosts Women’s leadership training

Women’s Leadership Collaborative Training Program was held in Sydney from Tuesday 12 to Sunday 17 September 2023 for  Wanita Islam, the peak Indonesian women’s organisation and a  member of Regional Islamic Da’wah Council of Southeast Asia & the Pacific (RISEAP).

The program was run in conjunction with Australian Federation of Islamic Council (AFIC), Australian Islamic Cultural Centre (AICC) and Muslim Women’s National Network of Australia (MWNNA), the 3 affiliated member organisations of RISEAP.

This program is consistent with the 4^th dominant theme of RISEAP, “development and refinement in the content of Islamic education and Da’wah” whereby the member organisation decides the kind of Islamic education program and curriculum which are best suited to its respective circumstances.

In this regard, Wanita Islam decided to see, listen and learn from its neighbouring country, Australia, the existing programs in place in some of its peak Islamic institutions and organisations.

This program also entailed seeing how we foster  inter-communal relations and reinforce the image of Islam as a religion of peace, RISEAP’s  5^th dominant theme and the most important aspect of living as minority Muslims, 2% of the Australian population in comparison to Indonesians majority Muslim population  of 90%.

Day 1: The arrival of 41 prominent members of Wanita Islam on Tuesday 12 September, hailing from Indonesia’s 25 Provinces, got on track when the delegation exited the Sydney international airport at the early hours of crisp Spring morning and were whisked away into a 55 sitter ASF Tour bus.

Their excitement to be in Sydney was so great that their incessant photo taking had to be stalled! Despite travelling since midnight to dawn, they were in good spirits and enjoyed breakfast at Jasmin’s Lebanese Restaurant before starting their first program of general welcome by Al-Faisal College Executives: Mr Shafiq Khan, Managing Director, Dr Intaj Ali, Director General, Mrs Safia Khan Hassanein (Executive Principal), Mrs Fayzah Saleh (Chief Financial Officer) and other prominent officials.

After the tour of the huge building with various levels and stages in the middle of Auburn city  we were awesomely surprised to see the school’s Rooftop playground. We also had class visits of Year 1 and Year 11 students.

Thereafter we visited the new Omar Mosque and prayed Zuhr prayers. After lunch and presentations of Al-Faisals activities and its accomplishments with students’ academic records we headed back to the hotel for check-in and then proceed to home cooked dinner at my suburban home.

Day 2: We had early mark to visit Islamic Scientific and Research Academy (ISRA). Executive Director and Assoc Professor at the Centre for Islamic Studies, Charles Sturt University (CSU), Dr Mehmet Ozalp outlined the programs they deliver through ISRA as well as formal Islamic studies through CSU ranging from undergraduate to PhD’s in Islamic studies. This is another one of the greatest achievements of minority Muslim immigrant community.

We also had a motivational and impressive presentation by Cynthia Aisha Meguid, a well being teacher, educator, consultant, and coach whose book ‘Transformed by Values’ aims to help people emotionally, socially, mentally and spiritually to lead them to deep fulfilment, peace and happiness.

She advised that her book is solution packed guidebook – it is about effectively practising and living your Islamic values with excellence (Ihsan). She explained the word ‘excellence’ (Ihsan) is mentioned over 50 times in the Qur’an! Allah is teaching and encouraging us to develop Ihsan- excellence in all areas of our life.

In the afternoon we had the opportunity to visit and meet the residents of one of the most modern Aged Care facilities for Muslims, Gallipoli Home located beside the famous and well renowned Gallipoli Mosque in Auburn. After dinner at the Student Biryani House, we headed for The Lodge after another day of our intense meetings, , listening and learning.

Day 3: We embarked on our early morning journey to Lakemba Mosque for the tour of the mosque and a presentation on the services the Imam provides at the mosque, ranging from leading the prayers to being a marriage celebrant, providing counselling service for married couples with problems, taking care of the youth and overseeing their activities.

We attended the garden lunch at the house of ex-CEO of AFIC, Keyser Trad who had invited Ex Minister of Immigration in the Howard government, Mr Phillip Ruddock to address the delegation.

Mr Ruddock emphasised that Australia is a diverse country and all Australians have equal rights as citizens of the country.

In the evening we had been honoured to be entertained at the house of the President of Green Valley Mosque, Mr Mohammed Ilyaas and family, The delegates from different Indonesian provinces dressed themselves in the cultural dressing of their province. It was a spectacular event.   We were invited to indulge ourselves with three course scrumptious dinner.

Day 4: We had a great presentation by Sr Mehar Ahmad, President of Seena Inc, publishers of the Australasian Muslim Times AMUST newspaper. Her presentation was well received. Her and her family’s hospitality was very much appreciated.

Our trip to the Indonesian Consul General’s Office in Maroubra was very fruitful. There was a robust discussion and the delegates had a great time connecting and discussing general issues in a very harmonious and homely manner. It seemed like the families getting together in a long time.

The evening program at the Green Valley Mosque started with the Quran recitation by one of our own well versed and trainee followed by presentation of the numerous activities organised and carried out by the community leaders.

These includes Sunday classes for girls and women, inter faith activities, environment issues, aged care provisions and talks among others. The management of the Mosque hosted the glorious event which facilitated a lot of further discussions on topics of interest in a congenial environment.

Day 5: This was the day long waited for and well-deserved break from hard work over 4 long days of attending programs and meeting learned and professional presenters. We started very early and arrived at the Darling Harbour, Paddy’s Market, the central shopping mecca for most tourist to Sydney.

Thereafter AFIC President Dr Rateb Jneid and his team hosted our lunch over discussions regarding AFIC’s activities. Our next trip to the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House was breathtaking and a great conclusion to our 5 days of adventure – seeing, listening and learning.

Lastly, we had the opportunity to meet at the Indonesian mosque in Tempe organised by Imam Amin Hady. The delegation met up with the Sydney Indonesian community

Day 6:  The delegation left The Lodge for the International Airport for their departure to their Country.

We firmly believe that partnership and collaboration for experienced professionals is a powerful force for driving positive change within our communities. By working together with other organisations and advocates, we harness collective strength to improve services, break down barriers, and create a more inclusive and supportive environment.

Through collaboration, we amplify our impact and pave the way for a brighter and more inclusive future for individuals and communities. I sincerely hope that we can use this program as a model for our future leadership capacity building and empowerment.