9th OIC Women Ministers’ Meeting Begins in Islamabad Focusing on Women’s Empowerment

The 9th Meeting of Women Ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) will commence on Sunday in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan. This two-day conference will focus on empowering women and strengthening their roles in political, economic, and digital arenas. Nearly 190 representatives and government officials from the 57 member countries will participate in the event.

Organizers have stated that participants will discuss ways to increase women’s political and professional participation, expand their access to economic resources and financial services, and reduce the gender gap in technology. Additionally, developing digital skills and enhancing women’s presence in high-level decision-making will be key topics of this meeting.

Although Afghanistan is also a member of the OIC, hosting a meeting centered on women’s participation and empowerment comes amidst severe restrictions on women in that country. Since the Taliban government returned to power in August 2021, education for girls beyond the sixth grade has been halted, and university doors have been closed to them.

The Taliban administration continues to ban women from working in many government departments and international organizations and has imposed strict limitations on their mobility and social presence. These actions have triggered widespread domestic and international criticism and remain one of the most serious human rights challenges in Afghanistan.