Cooperation Organization examines harsh conditions faced by women in Islamic societies.

In a significant meeting held at its headquarters in Jeddah, the General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation convened the ninth session of the Advisory Committee for Women, affiliated with the organization’s Women’s Conference.

Addressing Global and Regional Challenges

Dr. Amina Al-Hajri, the General Director of Cultural Affairs at the organization, delivered the opening speech on behalf of the Secretary-General. She highlighted the challenging global context under which the meeting took place, including bloody wars, internal conflicts, devastating natural disasters, radical climate changes, and the ongoing recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Al-Hajri also underscored the severe conditions faced by women in the Islamic world, particularly in Palestine, Sudan, the Sahel countries, the Lake Chad region, and Afghanistan, where women continue to be denied access to higher education and participation in the workforce.

Advancing Women’s Achievements

The agenda of the ninth Advisory Committee meeting focused on following up on the implementation of ministerial decisions, updates from the Women’s Development Organization, and reviewing nominations from member states for the third edition of the organization’s award for women’s achievements under the theme “The Role of Women in Technology.”

Acknowledgements and Support

Dr. Al-Hajri expressed gratitude towards the Arab Republic of Egypt for hosting the eighth session of the Ministerial Conference on Women and its efforts to empower women and enhance their roles in member states. She also thanked the Republic of Turkey for its continuous support and efforts towards the committee’s activities. Furthermore, she appreciated the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the host country, for its ongoing support and generous sponsorship of the organization.

Conclusion

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s meeting underscores the critical role of international collaboration in addressing the challenges faced by women in Islamic societies. Through such gatherings, the organization aims to foster an environment that supports the empowerment and advancement of women across its member states, reflecting a commitment to gender equality and women’s rights in the Islamic world.

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