Pakistan urges OIC nations to translate commitments into action for women’s socio-economic empowerment

Pakistan assumes chairmanship of the 9th OIC Ministerial Conference on Women

ISLAMABAD:

Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani on Monday urged the member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to move beyond declarations and translate their commitments into concrete action for women’s socio-economic empowerment, as Pakistan assumed the chairmanship of the 9th OIC Ministerial Conference on Women.

The Ninth Session of the Ministerial Conference on Women concluded with the adoption of an omnibus resolution and the adoption of the “Islamabad Declaration.” To view the text of the declaration, please click on the following link:https://t.co/mPZpY1H5im pic.twitter.com/sAxw2T4s0P

— OIC (@OIC_OCI) July 13, 2026

Addressing the opening session of the 9th OIC Ministerial Conference on Women, as the chief guest, Gilani said that "empowering women is both an Islamic obligation and a prerequisite for sustainable development."

He said Islam had guaranteed women the rights to education, property, inheritance, economic participation, and dignity more than 1,400 years ago, while the teachings of the Holy Quran and the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) continued to provide a timeless framework for ensuring women’s meaningful participation in society.

While welcoming ministers, parliamentarians and delegates from OIC member states, Gilani added that women constituted nearly half of the population of OIC countries and no nation could achieve inclusive growth while excluding half of its human capital from economic and political participation.

Gilani paid tribute to the contributions of Muslim women in education, governance, science, diplomacy, business, and public service, and described Benazir Bhutto as the first woman prime minister of Pakistan and the Muslim world whose vision continued to inspire generations.

Highlighting Pakistan’s efforts, he referred to the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), Waseela-e-Taleem and other initiatives for women-led enterprises, including for financial inclusion, digital skills, and e-commerce.

He also recalled landmark legislation enacted during his tenure as prime minister, including laws against workplace harassment, acid crimes, and anti-women practices, and called on OIC member states to adopt measurable targets for girls’ education, women’s leadership, entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, and protection against gender-based violence.

9th OIC Ministerial Conference on Women, Islamabad 12-13 July 2026

Pakistan is hosting the 9th OIC Ministerial Conference on Women in Islamabad on July 12–13, bringing together around 190 delegates from 57 OIC member states. The conference aims to strengthen cooperation on… pic.twitter.com/kvgtczJv5S

— Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (@MoIB_Official) July 12, 2026

Speaking on the occasion, OIC Assistant Secretary General for Humanitarian, Cultural and Social Affairs Ambassador Dr Tarig Ali Bakheet said the conference reflected the organisation’s continued commitment to advancing women’s causes and sustaining efforts towards women’s empowerment.

He termed empowering women essential for the development, resilience, and prosperity of the Islamic world and expressed the OIC’s appreciation to Pakistan and Egypt for successfully hosting the ministerial conferences on women.

Women’s Development Organisation (WDO) Executive Director Sarah Al Shoura highlighted the organisation’s efforts to strengthen cooperation among member states and promote policies aimed at expanding women’s participation in education, economic development, and leadership.

Ambassador Naela Gabr, president of the Women’s Consultative Council of the 8th OIC Ministerial Conference on Women, highlighted the progress made since the previous ministerial conference and stressed the importance of sustaining momentum through stronger cooperation among OIC member states.

She called for greater investment in women’s education, economic empowerment, and leadership, saying the advancement of women was essential for inclusive development and long-term prosperity across the Islamic world.

Egypt National Council for Women President Amal Ammar said the prosperity of nations began with investment in people, particularly women, adding that women’s empowerment had become a strategic necessity for achieving sustainable development and stability. She said Egypt had made women’s empowerment a national priority through constitutional, legislative, and institutional reforms and the National Strategy for Egyptian Women 2030.

She highlighted Egypt’s flagship “Noura” programme for girls, the “Noor” programme for boys, the “Tahweesha” initiative for women’s financial inclusion, and the Gender Equality Seal awarded to 31 companies promoting gender-responsive workplaces.

She said women had made notable gains in leadership, with nearly 3,968 women serving as judges and prosecutors, and increased representation in parliament and senior public offices.

Amal stressed that women’s empowerment was rooted in Islamic values and called on OIC member states to deepen cooperation, exchange successful experiences, and ensure equal opportunities in education, employment, finance, technology, and leadership.

She also highlighted the plight of Palestinian women, encouraged member states to join the WDO to complete the accession process, and congratulated Pakistan on assuming the chairmanship of the conference.

A documentary highlighting the contributions of women in various sectors was also screened during the opening session.