AN EXPLORATION OF THE CHALLENGES OF UNEMPLOYMENT AMONG MUSLIM WOMEN AND THEIR REMEDIES FROM ISLAMIC STANDPOINT: A CASE STUDY OF GOMBE METROPOLIS

ABSTRACT Unemployment among Muslim women in Northern Nigeria remains a significant socio-economic challenge, driven by a complex interplay of cultural, economic, and structural factors. This study, titled "An Exploration of the Challenges of Unemployment Among Muslim Women and Their Remedies from an Islamic Standpoint: A Case Study of Gombe Metropolis," investigates these multifaceted challenges and evaluates the potential of faith-based financial mechanisms as sustainable solutions. Anchored in Islamic Economic Theory and Social Capital Theory, the research explores how instruments such as Zakat (obligatory charity) and Waqf (endowments) can mitigate joblessness while aligning with local cultural and religious values. The study adopted a quantitative, cross-sectional survey design, collecting data from 399 Muslim women entrepreneurs in Gombe Metropolis through structured questionnaires. Findings revealed that the most severe impediments to economic participation are economic barriers, specifically a lack of access to capital and collateral, followed by cultural norms that discourage work outside the home and structural failures in government infrastructure. Despite these hurdles, there is an overwhelmingly positive perception of Islamic financial remedies; respondents view Zakat and Waqf as highly effective and culturally legitimate tools for providing interest-free capital and fostering entrepreneurship. However, a significant gap exists between this perceived effectiveness and actual adoption, primarily due to a profound awareness and knowledge deficit regarding how to access these funds. Additionally, while local institutions are trusted for their transparency, they are hindered by bureaucratic processes and a lack of government policy integration. The study concludes that addressing unemployment in Gombe requires a transition from individual faith-based charity to professionalised, transparent, and state-supported Islamic financial institutions. Recommendations include enhancing financial literacy, streamlining regulatory frameworks, and leveraging religious scholars to correct cultural misinterpretations of women’s economic rights in Islam.