An All-Russian conference "On the role of woman in modern society" that brought together more than 200 leaders and activists of women's Muslim community and charitable organizations, has started in Saratov.

This event, organized by Saratov women's NGO "Rodnik" under the auspices of Russia Muftis Council and Russia Muslimas Union, took place in Saratov Islamic Complex. The program of the conference included lectures, speeches and presentations.

Deputy chairman of Russia Muftis Council Rushan hazrat Abbyasov has conveyed the greetings of Chairman of Russia Muftis Council, Chairman of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of European Russia mufti sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin to the participants of the conference.

"The most important role of a woman—a daughter, a mother, a spouse and a sister—is maintaining love and respect in the family, providing support for a spouse, giving birth to future generations, raising children and homemaking," said mufti's address.

Mufti sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin especially stressed that modern Muslimas are well-educated and socially active members of society who provide support not only for their family, their husbands and children, but for the whole Muslim Ummah.

"We are happy that Russian Muslimas take play active part in society, work on self-education and education of their sisters, promote inter-ethnic and interfaith dialogue, devote much time and efforts to charity," said the address.

In his turn, Rushan hazrat Abbyasov stressed the role of women as mothers and character educators, and spoke highly of the activity of women's Muslim organizations in the areas of education, charity and social work. According to him, this work encourages dialogue of cultures and strengthens mutual understanding within our multinational society.

Deputy chairman of Russia Muftis Council also reminded of the idea to create and develop Muslim social centres that would combine educational, cultural and adaptational services. This initiative was voiced as one of priorities—along with the revival of Russian Islamic theological school—by president of Russia Vladimir Putin on his meeting with muftis of Spiritual Administrations of Muslims on October 22 of this year in Ufa.

Co-chairman of Russia Muftis Council, mufti of Saratov Oblast Muqaddas hazrat Bibarsov greeted the participants of the conference and outlined a number of challenges that the Russian society and its Muslim part are facing these days. According to Muqaddas hazrat, the most serious problem is the radicalization of general public, especially the youth of all national and religious backgrounds. Muqaddas Bibarsov especially stressed that Russian Muslimas have come under a strain in particular because of the recent ban of hijab in educational institutions.

In the course of the conference, Muqaddas hazrat Bibarsov awarded the head of the oldest Muslim women's organization "Muslima", famous journalist and public figure Almira Adiatullina with a certificate of gratitude on behalf of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Saratov Oblast.

Chairlady of Russian Muslimas Union Nailya Ziganshina and head of women's public organization "Rodnik" Hadidzha Bibarsova shared their best practices and achievements of women's Muslim organizations. The participants were also greeted by the members of the executive branch of regional government, delegate of Women's Union of Russia Valentina Bobrova and leaders of charitable organizations.

Members of the conference who came from Bashkortostan, Dagestan, Karelia, Kostroma, Mordovia, Moscow, Penza and Samara Oblasts, are bringing up the topics of religious education, general pre-school and school education, raising children and the younger generation in the spirit of traditional values, preservation of national cultures and languages. Much attention will be devoted to sharing experience in the areas of charity and education.

In the afternoon, conference will continue in the round table format.

SAMER press service