Women & Youth in the Halal Economy – Catalysts for Change
Rooted in Legacy. Driven by Purpose.
Workshop Overview
This dynamic workshop is designed to spotlight and empower women and youth as changemakers in the halal economy. Through stories, strategies, and support systems, participants will explore their unique roles as ethical pioneers, creative innovators, and bridge-builders in a values-driven marketplace.
From the legacy of Sayyidah Khadijah (RA) to modern social entrepreneurs, and from youth-led tech startups to intergenerational collaboration models, this experience equips attendees to contribute meaningfully to a halal economy rooted in trust, inclusivity, and purpose.
Day 1: Women as Ethical Pioneers
Session 1: Legacy and Opportunity
- Honor the legacy of Khadijah (RA) and other pioneering Muslim women in trade and enterprise
- Discover successful halal businesswomen and their stories from across the globe
- Identify current gaps in women’s representation in leadership and ownership
Session 2: Breaking Barriers
- Examine cultural, financial, and legal barriers facing women entrepreneurs
- Learn from case studies of women who overcame systemic challenges
- Get actionable tools: access to funding, networks, and mentorship programs
Session 3: Gender-Inclusive Ethics
- Explore how women leaders drive sustainability, fair trade, and tayyib (pure/good) values
- Group discussion: how to create inclusive and ethical halal supply chains
- Build a value map that centers women’s contribution to a resilient moral economy
Day 2: Youth as Innovators
Session 1: Youth-Led Halal Ventures
- Explore rising youth-led businesses in halal tech, fashion, fintech, and ethical food
- Live pitch session: 2–3 youth founders share their journey and business pitch
- Analyze what makes youth entrepreneurship resilient, relevant, and high-impact
Session 2: Intergenerational Collaboration
- Understand the importance of connecting elders’ wisdom with youth innovation
- Co-create frameworks for mentorship, internships, and advisory circles
- Build a mentorship match model that reflects Islamic values of shura and ijma’
Session 3: Tools for Youth Success
- Introduce practical toolkits: grant databases, incubator programs, online courses
- Discuss Islamic models of growth with purpose (e.g., waqf startups, ethical scaling)
- Design a Youth Impact Plan: 3 goals, 3 resources, 3 next steps
Key Takeaways
- Empowering narratives of women and youth
- Practical tools for entrepreneurship & collaboration
- Intergenerational Mentorship Design
- Tools & Growth Pathways for Changemakers
Datin Sri Hajjah Dr. Norashfah Hanim binti Yaakop Yahaya Al-Haj
Datin Sri Hajjah Dr. Norashfah Hanim binti Yaakop Yahaya Al-Haj holds a BBA (Hons) in Accounting and Finance and an MBA in Finance from Middlesex University, London, and earned her PhD in Economics and Finance from RMIT University, Australia. With over 25 years of experience in business management, research, innovation, training, and construction, she has played a vital role in both academic and industry settings. Her areas of specialization include Economics, Finance, Islamic Finance, Banking, Accounting, Real Estate Investment, and Econometric Applications, as well as Strategic Management, Education, Leadership, and Cultural Studies.
She has published extensively in international journals and proceedings, including Oxford and Cambridge University, and contributed to Gower publications. As the former Director of UiTM's Institute of Quality and Knowledge Advancement (InQKA), she championed mindset transformation and global knowledge exchange through lectures, roundtables, and seminars. She is affiliated with international and national bodies, including the International CSR Network, Malaysian Finance Association, and has consulted for key government agencies.
In the construction sector, she co-manages successful government-linked projects with her husband, a professional engineer. Beyond academia and business, she is deeply engaged in social causes, including arts education for children and youth rehabilitation at Pondok Remaja Inabah (1), where she serves as honorary committee member. She has also authored children's art workbooks and contributes economic commentary to publications like The Economist. Dr. Norashfah exemplifies lifelong dedication to knowledge, service, and sustainable development, and continues to volunteer and contribute toward building a better society.

49USD/person/2 day
Limited Time Offer26 - 27 July 2025
2 Days × 3 Hours = 6 Hours
- 2:00pm - 5:00pm Malaysia Time
To Enroll or for Group Discount or for any information please talk to us via live chat or email us at class@islamicea.com