Organisation of Islamic Cooperation
The Collective Voice of The Muslim World
Date: 02/12/2018
The 7th Ministerial Conference on the Role of Women in the Development of the Member States of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), held in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, on 1 December 2018, started with an inaugural session marked by the address of the Prime Minister of Burkina Faso, HE Mr. Paul Kaba Thieba, the Secretary General of the OIC, Dr. Youssef Al Othaimeen, the outgoing Chair of the Sixth Conference, the Minister of Family Affairs of Turkey, and the incoming Chair of the Seventh Conference, Minister of Family Affairs of Burkina Faso.
Addressing the Conference, the OIC Secretary General, Dr. Yousef Al Othaimeen underlined that an OIC Prize for Women Achievements has been created to recognize and support the distinguished contributions of women in the development of the Member States. The Secretary-General stressed that Muslim women have actively contributed to the advancement of Muslim societies whenever opportunities are provided to them and obstacles are removed. More and more women are gaining access to decision-making positions in renowned institutions, leading governments, political parties, parliaments, institutions and governmental and non-governmental bodies, and playing an effective role.
Dr Al Othaimeen pointed out that, despite the important progress made by women, a large proportion of women in the Member States continue to endure difficult conditions, as well as being deprived of their fundamental rights. He stressed that there is a compelling need for solutions that are commensurate with the challenges and suffering women face at all levels.
The Conference adopted a wide range of new resolutions to support the empowerment of women, particularly Palestinian women in view of the abuses they endure under the Israeli occupation. The Conference also addressed the crucial role of girls' education, the economic empowerment of women, the promotion of gender equality, the support of female leadership and the strengthening of women's participation in the process of development and decision-making at the political, economic, legal, scientific, environmental and socio-cultural levels.
The participants emphasized the need for joint action at the level of OIC Member States to support the empowerment of women refugees, displaced or living in areas of armed conflict. It also called for combating violence, harassment and discrimination against women and to value their role in conflict resolution and in the promotion of social peace.
