Muslim women awarded Australia’s top civil honour
Governor-General recognises Abla Kadous and Zuleyha Keskin for their contributions to the Muslim community
CANBERRA, Australia (MNTV) – Two prominent Muslim women, Abla Kadous and Associate Professor Zuleyha Keskin, have been awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for their outstanding service to the community.
The honours were announced on Australia Day last month on January 26, as part of a broader recognition of 732 Australians making significant contributions to society.
Abla Kadous, President of the Islamic Women’s Welfare Association (IWWA) in Lakemba, New South Wales, has dedicated decades to uplifting Muslim women across Australia.
Originally from Egypt, Kadous moved to Australia and faced financial and cultural challenges while raising five children.
Undeterred, she established IWWA as a not-for-profit organisation aimed at fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment among Muslim women.
Under her leadership, IWWA has developed essential community programs, including anti-discrimination forums, school-readiness initiatives, youth camps, and cooking classes. The organisation also provides food and supplies to those in need.
Even in her 70s, Kadous continues to lead a team of 50 volunteers and staff, ensuring the organisation thrives. Through tireless fundraising efforts—including sewing, cooking, and selling handmade items—she helped purchase a state-of-the-art function centre for IWWA.
Associate Professor Zuleyha Keskin, a leading scholar in Islamic studies, has been instrumental in advancing academic programs that bridge traditional and contemporary Islamic thought.
As Associate Head of School at the Centre for Islamic Studies and Civilisation (CISAC) at Charles Sturt University, Keskin has played a pivotal role in the development of multiple programs.
These include the Bachelor and Master of Islamic Studies, the Master of Classical Arabic, and the Graduate Certificate in Islamic Psychology.
She co-founded ISRA Australia in 2009, an initiative that has since grown into a major educational platform for university-level Islamic studies.
Instagram: @drzuleyhakeskin
In addition to her academic leadership, Keskin serves as Managing Editor of the Australian Journal of Islamic Studies (AJIS) and is President of the Australian Association of Islamic and Muslim Studies (AAIMS).
Canterbury-Bankstown Mayor Bilal El-Hayek commended Kadous’ achievement, calling it a well-deserved recognition for her work in empowering women and girls.
Keskin, in a social media post, dedicated the honour to the collective contributions of the Muslim community in Australia.
“This award is not just for me; it is a tribute to the remarkable contributions of the Muslim community in Australia. Through acts of service, advocacy, and dedication, we continue to be an integral and valued part of this nation,” she wrote.
“I hope this recognition inspires young Muslims to follow their passions, embrace their identities, and contribute to our community in meaningful ways—our community truly needs their energy and talents.”
Both women’s recognition highlights the growing impact of Muslim leaders in Australian society, serving as an inspiration for future generations
Have Your Say!
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@soundvision.com.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a Muslim Network TV’s representative. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Tweet: @MuslimNetworkTV
We must take charge of our narrative. Research indicates that 92% of their Muslim coverage is negative. Help us change that.
