In Conversation with Fathima Aziz: The Vision Behind IMRA Awards 2026
By Noeli Jesudas
As the IMRA Awards 2026 opens for applications, the spotlight once again turns to the stories, achievements and impact of Muslim women across Sri Lanka and beyond. Now in its third edition, the initiative continues to grow as a platform that not only recognizes excellence but also challenges perceptions and amplifies voices that often go unheard. In conversation with IMRA Foundation Founder and Director Fathima Aziz, we explore the vision behind the awards, the impact it has created over the years, and why this platform has become an important space for celebrating leadership, resilience and meaningful change across diverse fields.
Q. To begin with, could you tell us what the IMRA Awards stand for?
IMRA is not an acronym. IMRA in Islam refers to a woman with the following attributes: Powerful, growth oriented, strong, visionary, adventurous, freedom loving, spiritual, energetic, curious and magnetic. We wanted to recognise Muslim women who represented these values in their lives and careers.
Q. What inspired the creation of this platform?
Throughout history we have many examples of Muslim Women who have displayed these attributes. To name a few, Lady Khadija was the first wife of the Holy Prophet Muhammed. She is one of the most important female figures in Islam. Lady Khadija was a very successful independent and well renowned merchant. Running a successful caravan route to Syria and Yemen from Saudi Arabia. She is the perfect role model for empowering women to be financially independent. The World's first University was founded in Fez, Morocco by Fatima Al Fihiri in 895 CE. She established the University of Al Qarawiynn, using her share of the wealth she inherited from her Father. So, throughout History we have had Muslim Women, who excelled beyond their roles as Mother, Sister or Daughter. Like them. we have the same spirit and strength to thrive, the same strengths to endure Allah's tests. So, Ladies, take this event as a reminder of your potential and remember these examples which Islam has provided for you. There was a long felt need to recognise the outstanding Muslim Women Achievers. Through this event we hope to promote communication and the change of outdated narratives about Muslim Women and their role in Society.
Q. The IMRA Awards focus specifically on recognising Muslim women, why was it important to create a space dedicated to amplifying these voices and achievements?
Muslim women are often portrayed as being voiceless and oppressed culturally and by religious edicts. The Muslim community in Sri Lanka has outstanding women achievers, who often go unrecognised. Our aim is to show just how misleading these stereotypes can be, by celebrating the outstanding talents and contributions of this extraordinary group of people, who create role models and aspiration for the rest of the community
Q. For women considering applying or for those thinking of nominating someone, what would you say to encourage them to take that step this year?
Our community has many talented women worthy of receiving this award. Unfortunately, there is a general apathy about filling out forms and going through the application process. There is no other way of recognising women achievers, unless they apply for the award.
From day one, I was particular that the whole IMRA Awards must be processed by an independent body, so that there can be no criticism that it was biased. We are a very small community, making up only 7 % of the population. The representation of educated women may be less than 1%. So, within that small community, there is bound to be someone whom you know or are remotely related to. So, the whole selection process is handled by KPMG, our knowledge partner for the past three years. Owing to their professional handling of the selection process and because of the very professional group of judges who have sat on the interview panel, we have not received any complaints in the past. And I'm confident that the same high standards will be maintained this year as well.
Q. Over the past two editions, how have the IMRA Awards impacted the winners and finalists, both professionally and personally?
Muslim Women have not been recognised for their Achievements in the Past. But in the last two years in various forums, I see it mentioned that the person is the winner of IMRA Awards for 2024 or 2025. That shows that they are proud of their achievement and recognition in the different forums they represent. In some instances, the Ladies have been recognised in other forums and by other communities. So, for the Muslims not to recognise their own achievers, I think it was a serious omission on our part.
Q. Can you share any standout stories or moments from previous awardees that truly capture the spirit and purpose of IMRA?
At the 2024 Awards, there was lady from Puttalam, named Juwairiya who won the award for social impact. She had been working with the refugees from Mannar who had temporarily moved to Puttalam when they were chased off by the insurgents. She came up to me and said that she had received many awards for her social work from NGO's working in the area. She held the award close to her chest and said that "nothing feels as special as being recognised by my own people with tears in her eyes.
Q. This year’s edition emphasizes inclusivity and accessibility with trilingual applications, how important is it for IMRA to reach women from diverse backgrounds across Sri Lanka and even overseas?
It is very important indeed to reach as many Sri Lankans as possible both from Sri Lanka and overseas. At the 2025 IMRA Awards we had Nuha Sharmil Ghouse, a Sri Lankan based in Singapore running an online Tutorial Class called "TUTOPIA" which became very popular during Covid. She won a Business Entpreneurial Award. We also recognised Sajda for a Sports award in 2025, who is presently on a Scholarship in the USA. We had to interview both candidates on Zoom.
Q. Beyond recognition, IMRA is described as a ‘movement’, how do you envision it shaping the next generation of women leaders and change makers in Sri Lanka?
This is a real Enigma. After every IMRA Awards people from both here and overseas praise our efforts in spotlighting the achievements of Muslim Women. But unfortunately, it is very difficult to raise funds, especially in the current economic and political situation worldwide. So, it is sheer perseverance that has made it possible this year. I don't know if in the future, there will be ladies with such passion to carry it forward.
