OIC Women’s Conference opens in Islamabad to discuss empowerment and rights

The two-day 9th OIC Ministerial Conference on Women has started in Islamabad, bringing together representatives from 57 member countries.

The two-day 9th OIC Ministerial Conference on Women has started in Islamabad, bringing together representatives from 57 member countries.

The conference is focusing on women’s social, economic and political empowerment, along with challenges and future strategies for improving women’s participation in different fields.

During the event, Federal Minister for Law and Human Rights Azam Nazeer Tarar held important meetings with representatives from Türkiye and Azerbaijan.

Tarar met Türkiye’s Minister for Family and Social Services Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş. Both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in women’s rights, children’s welfare and social protection.

Pakistan and Türkiye also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration in social services and protection programmes.

The agreement aims to promote the exchange of expertise, improve welfare systems and support initiatives related to family development.

Tarar also met Azerbaijan’s Head of Administrative Division Jalila Allahverdiyeva. They discussed women’s rights, social development and ways to increase cooperation between the two countries.

Addressing the conference, Azam Nazeer Tarar said Islam has granted women dignity, equality and basic rights. He stressed that protecting and promoting these rights is a shared responsibility of Muslim countries.

The minister said Pakistan is taking various steps to increase women’s participation in national development.

He highlighted that women in Pakistan are playing active roles in politics, parliament, judiciary, education, business and other sectors.

Tarar said the conference provides an important platform for OIC member states to share experiences, strengthen institutional links and develop joint strategies for women’s advancement.

He added that Pakistan considers hosting the conference a great honour and is committed to supporting initiatives that promote women’s empowerment.

The conference will continue discussions on improving women’s access to education, economic opportunities, leadership roles and social protection.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is scheduled to address the gathering, while Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz is also expected to attend the conference.