ISLAMABAD (special crosspondent) – Pakistan’s warm hospitality, efficient organization and commitment to advancing women’s empowerment drew widespread appreciation from delegates attending the 9th Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Ministerial Conference on Women. The visiting representatives described the gathering as an essential platform for strengthening regional cooperation and shaping a collective roadmap for the socio-economic and political empowerment of women across the Muslim world.

A Platform for Collaborative Progress

Held in the federal capital, the two-day ministerial conference convened ministers, senior officials, and representatives from OIC member states, international organizations, and partner institutions. The event served as a forum to deliberate on the challenges and opportunities facing women in the Islamic world and to explore ways to strengthen collaboration through shared policies and initiatives. This aligns with broader efforts, such as Azam Tarar Emphasizes OIC Role in Strengthening Cooperation Among States, to foster unity and unified policy action among member nations.

Syrian Delegation Highlights Return to Global Discourse

Speaking on the sidelines of the conference, Syrian Minister for Social Affairs and Labour Hind Kabawat described her visit to Pakistan as both memorable and symbolic. She noted that Syria’s participation marked the return of Syrian women to an international conference after many years. Kabawat praised the meticulous arrangements and expressed confidence that the conference would generate fresh ideas, strengthen partnerships among OIC member states, and lead to practical initiatives benefiting women throughout the Islamic world.

Regional Cooperation and Shared Values

An OIC delegate remarked that Pakistani women welcomed the visiting delegations with a spirit of sisterhood, reflecting the country’s profound generosity and respect. Mariyam Raya Ahmed, representing the Maldives, described the conference as a vital opportunity to reinforce cooperation on women’s development and gender equality, specifically commending Pakistan’s pivotal role in bridging OIC member states in the Asian region.

Policy Commitments and Economic Participation

Dr. Maimouna Al Khalil, Secretary-General of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Family Affairs Council, noted that the conference reflects the OIC’s firm commitment to placing women’s issues at the highest policy level. Highlighting that member states must intensify efforts, she praised Pakistan’s hospitality and expressed optimism that the deliberations would result in a strong declaration to guide future action, a sentiment that mirrors initiatives such as Pakistan and Saudi Arabia Reaffirm Commitment to Women’s Empowerment Initiatives.

Addressing Misconceptions and Future Reforms

Dr. Alhagi Manta Drammeh, Director of Planning and International Cooperation at the International Islamic Fiqh Academy, termed the conference a timely initiative to address misconceptions regarding the role of women in Islam. He emphasized the complementary responsibilities of men and women in building prosperous societies. Similarly, Isatou Jobe, Secretary at the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Welfare of The Gambia, highlighted Pakistan’s leadership role within the Muslim world.

Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, noted that the conference occurred at a significant juncture for Nigeria as it pursues reforms to strengthen women’s socio-economic empowerment. She underlined the importance of placing women at the center of national development and commended Pakistan’s outstanding hospitality.

Closing Remarks and Official Attendance

The 9th OIC Ministerial Conference on Women, themed “Socio-Economic and Political Empowerment of Women in the OIC Countries: Challenges and Way Forward,” sought to promote cooperation by exchanging successful national experiences. The event was attended by Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani as the chief guest, and Federal Minister for Law, Justice and Human Rights Azam Nazeer Tarar, who assumed the chairmanship of the conference. Other notable attendees included Ambassador Dr. Tarig Ali Bakheet, Sarah Al Shoura, Amal Ammar, Ambassador Naela Gabr, Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja, as well as several members of the National Assembly and various international diplomatic delegates.