The International Open University (IOU) Assistant Professor of Islamic Economics, Banking, and Finance, Dr. Mansha Rafiq, has been officially included in the prestigious WOMANi 500 list for 2026. Published annually by the Cambridge Institute of Islamic Finance (Cambridge IFA), the landmark 10th-anniversary report honors the world's most impactful women steering the global Islamic economy. Dr. Mansha Rafiq was specifically recognized under the WOMANi Academica category for her outstanding contributions to financial inclusion, social finance, and Islamic FinTech.

Dr. Rafiq’s journey reflects a profound commitment to ethical finance, she is a Ph.D. in Islamic Banking and Finance from the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) and has since dedicated her career to mainstream academia and Shari'a-compliant economic research.

Dr. Rafiq has transformed the landscape of Islamic distance learning. Notably, she authored and recorded IOU’s benchmark 30-lecture core course, "Introduction to Islamic Finance," which bridges standard financial practices with modern Islamic jurisprudence for students worldwide. Her specialized research in Zakat governance, Waqf endowments, and digital transformation continues to build robust pathways for global financial inclusion.

The WOMANi Report remains the premier global ranking celebrating female professionals, academics, and executives in the Islamic business and halal economic sectors. The 2026 edition, unveiled in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, highlights leaders like Dr. Rafiq whose rigorous academic frameworks and ethical insights strengthen governance and drive sustainable growth across the industry.