A two-day women's ministerial conference organised by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has begun in Islamabad, Pakistan, with delegates from 57 countries discussing women’s socioeconomic and political empowerment, gender equality, and reforms.
The ninth ministerial conference is jointly organised by the OIC and Pakistan's Ministry of Human Rights on Sunday, with broad participation by female ministers from member states, according to a statement from the bloc.
The conference is being chaired by Pakistan's minister for law, justice, and human rights, Azam Nazeer Tarar.
Held under the theme “Socio-Economic and Political Empowerment of Women in the OIC Countries: Challenges and Way Forward," the conference aims to adopt the Islamabad Declaration roadmap.
Nearly 200 delegates from OIC member states are participating in the conference.
Developing strategies to support Muslim women
The conference will bring together ministers responsible for women and family affairs, senior government officials, representatives of OIC institutions, international organisations, and development partners to discuss advancing the socio-economic and political empowerment of women across OIC member states.
This year’s conference focuses on developing strategies to support Muslim women and will discuss key issues, including education, expanding learning opportunities, capacity building, the economy, and the environment.
Speaking at a press conference earlier in Islamabad, Tarar said Pakistan will use the high-level forum to highlight the government's initiatives aimed at empowering women and building an inclusive society.
