Islamabad to host 2-day OIC moot on women empowerment from Sunday

Islamabad, Pakistan Jul 11, 2026 ALN: Islamabad is poised to be the focal point for discussions on women's empowerment as it prepares to host the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation’s (OIC) 9th Ministerial Conference on Women from July 12 to 13. Delegations from various member states are expected to arrive in the capital city starting Saturday, signaling the importance of this gathering in addressing critical issues surrounding women's rights and empowerment in the OIC member countries.

The theme for this year’s conference, “Socio-Economic and Political Empowerment of Women in the OIC Countries: Challenges and Way Forward,” underscores the urgency of the discussions that will take place. Organised by Pakistan's human rights ministry, the event will be held at the Jinnah Convention Centre, a venue known for hosting significant national and international conferences. The focus of the conference is to create a platform for dialogue among ministers responsible for women and family affairs, senior government officials, and representatives from OIC institutions, international organisations, and development partners.

The gathering aims to deliberate on strategies that can advance the socio-economic and political empowerment of women across the OIC member states. This is particularly important given the diverse challenges that women face in different cultural and socio-economic contexts within the Islamic world. The conference will provide an opportunity to review progress made in women's empowerment, exchange experiences and best practices, and identify practical pathways to enhance the status of women.

Minister for Law, Justice and Human Rights Azam Nazeer Tarar will chair the conference on behalf of Pakistan, a role that positions the country at the forefront of advocating for women's rights within the OIC framework. As the chair, Pakistan is expected to lead discussions, foster dialogue, and work collaboratively with other member states to build consensus on critical issues affecting women's empowerment. This leadership role reflects Pakistan's ongoing commitment to the objectives of the OIC and its dedication to strengthening cooperation among member states in advancing women’s rights, dignity, and empowerment.

The implications of this conference are significant, especially in light of the challenges that women face in various OIC countries. Issues such as gender-based violence, economic disparities, and political underrepresentation are prevalent across many of these nations. Over the next two days, participating delegations will engage in high-level discussions aimed at addressing these challenges. The outcomes of these discussions could influence policy changes and initiatives that promote gender equality and women's empowerment in member states.

In a recent post on X, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar extended a warm welcome to the delegates, expressing hopes for productive discussions and a memorable stay for all participants. His message highlights the importance of international cooperation in tackling the issues faced by women and emphasizes Pakistan's role as a host nation committed to fostering dialogue on these critical matters.

Upon arrival, delegations from various OIC member states were greeted at Islamabad International Airport by key government officials, including the Minister of State for Law and Justice, Barrister Aqeel Malik, and Parliamentary Secretary for Human Rights, Saba Sadiq. This warm reception reflects the significance of the event and the importance placed on international collaboration in addressing women’s issues.

Notable attendees at the conference include influential figures such as Saudi Arabia’s Family Affairs Council Secretary General Dr. Maimoonah Khalil Alkhalil, Egypt’s National Council for Women President Amal Ammar, Bangladesh’s Women and Children Affairs Minister Abu Zafar Md. Zahid Hossain, and Iraq’s Vice President for Women and Family Affairs Dr. Zainab Al-Mulla Al-Sultani. Their participation underscores the collective commitment of OIC member states to tackle gender-related issues and enhance the status of women.

Other attendees include Libya’s Minister of State for Women’s Affairs Grebe Randa, Yemen’s Minister of Women’s Affairs Dr. Ahed Mohammed Jassous, Nigeria’s Women Affairs Minister Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Somalia’s Family and Human Rights Development Minister Khadija Makhzoumi, and Mauritania’s Social Affairs Ministry Secretary General Hamoudi Cheikhna Ali. The diverse representation from various member states illustrates the OIC’s commitment to fostering a collaborative environment for addressing the challenges faced by women across different cultural and socio-economic landscapes.

However, it is essential to contextualize these discussions within the broader framework of women's rights in Pakistan, which has faced significant challenges in recent years. According to the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Global Gender Gap Report 2025, Pakistan ranked the lowest among 148 countries, with a gender parity score of only 56.7 percent, the highest since 2006. This ranking reflects a concerning trend, as it marks a second consecutive drop from the economy’s best score of 57.7 percent achieved in 2023. Such statistics highlight the urgent need for dialogue and action to address the systemic barriers to gender equality in Pakistan and across the OIC member states.

Moreover, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) has reported that women in wage employment in Pakistan earn approximately 30 percent lower monthly wages than their male counterparts. This wage disparity is emblematic of the broader socio-economic challenges that women face in the workforce, which can hinder their overall empowerment and participation in decision-making processes. The upcoming conference presents an opportunity to address these issues head-on and to explore strategies for improving women's economic status through policy reforms and targeted initiatives.

In conclusion, the OIC Ministerial Conference on Women in Islamabad is a crucial event that seeks to address the pressing challenges of women's empowerment across member states. As delegates engage in discussions over the next two days, the outcomes of this conference could have far-reaching implications for the advancement of women's rights within the OIC framework. With Pakistan at the helm as the chair, there is an opportunity for meaningful dialogue and collaboration that could lead to tangible improvements in the lives of women across the Islamic world.