The Ninth Ministerial Conference of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Women is set to open on Sunday in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan. The two-day meeting will focus on women’s empowerment, the protection of their rights, and the strengthening of their political, economic, and digital participation. Nearly 190 delegates and government officials from the OIC’s 57 member states are expected to attend.
According to the organizers, participants will discuss strategies to enhance women’s political and professional participation, expand their access to economic resources and financial services, and reduce the gender gap in technology and digital inclusion. These discussions are intended to strengthen the role of women in development processes and decision-making across OIC member states.
Afghanistan is also a member of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. However, the conference on women’s empowerment and political, economic, and social participation is taking place at a time when women in the country continue to face extensive restrictions.
Since the Taliban returned to power in August 2021, numerous restrictions have been imposed on Afghan women and girls. These include the ban on secondary education for girls beyond the sixth grade, the prohibition of women from attending universities, restrictions on women’s employment in government institutions and many international organizations, as well as broad limitations on their freedom of movement and participation in public life.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
