Women’s OIC conference in Pakistan sees Syrian delegation after 14 years

The ninth OIC Ministerial Conference on Women concluded in Islamabad, with member states urged to enhance women's involvement in politics, the economy, education, and society. A key outcome was the Islamabad Declaration, which specifically addressed Afghanistan, voicing significant concern over ongoing restrictions on girls' education and women's employment. The declaration stated these limitations contradict Islamic values and called for their removal to ensure Afghan women and girls can fully and meaningfully participate in public life.

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the empowerment of women and girls is essential to the progress, resilience and prosperity of OIC societies

The conference reaffirmed the Organization of Islamic Cooperation's commitment to advancing women's socio-economic and political empowerment across the Muslim world. Delegates recognized that empowering women and girls is vital for the progress, resilience, and prosperity of OIC societies. The declaration highlighted that investing in women's education, skills, leadership, protection, and economic participation is an investment in the future of the entire Ummah.

Over 190 delegates, including ministers and senior officials from the OIC's 57 member states, participated in the event themed "Socio-Economic and Political Empowerment of Women in the OIC Countries: Challenges and Way Forward." Discussions focused on education, economic participation, social inclusion, and empowerment within the framework of women's rights in Islam. OIC Assistant Secretary-General Tarig Ali Bakheet stressed that elevating women is a top priority requiring dedicated resources and political will.

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not only a social imperative but also an economic necessity, a governance priority and a cornerstone of sustainable development

Pakistan's federal minister for law, justice, and human rights, Azam Nazeer Tarar, chaired the conference. He described women's empowerment as "not only a social imperative but also an economic necessity, a governance priority and a cornerstone of sustainable development." He also cautioned that adopting resolutions is only the first step, emphasizing that sustained teamwork, adequate financing, and unwavering political commitment are essential for actual progress.

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elevating women is a top priority requiring dedicated resources and political effort