WUNRN
OIC - Organization of Islamic
Cooperation
OIC Takes
Steps to Empower Women
WOMAN
POWER: Maha Akeel, chief editor of OIC Journal, delivering the opening
statement and introducing the short film made by the Information Department for
the occasion. (An photo)
JEDDAH,
by HABIB SHAIKH | 11 March 2014
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) celebrated International Women’s Day at its headquarters.
This
is the first time that the organization held an event to mark the occasion in
support and appreciation of women and their role in society.
The
OIC event focused in particular on Muslim women and the challenges they face, whether
at home, at work or in society.
The
OIC is mandated to explore opportunities for women to take part in the
development of Muslim society and enhance their capacity in order to enable
them to play an active role in all walks of life in its 57 member states.
Invitees
were briefed on the various programs, projects and activities undertaken by the
OIC to empower women and advance their status during numerous presentations
made by the organization’s different departments.
The
OIC highlighted its programs, projects and activities in various fields, such
as education, health, humanitarian, economy and human rights domains, in
support of women in the Muslim world.
The
celebration included a photo and caricature exhibition and a short film
highlighting the obstacles to women enjoying their full rights. The event also
highlighted achievements and success stories of women in those states.
Ambassador
Abdullah Ali, assistant secretary-general for Political Affairs, welcomed
invitees from the diplomatic corps, intellectuals and media personalities on
behalf of Secretary-General Iyad Madani.
Ali
said that the anniversary demonstrates the interest and honor devoted to Muslim
women by expressing collective pride in their distinctive status and roles,
confirmation of their legitimate rights and unwavering support for their
contributions as full-fledged partners in construction, development and
progress in the Muslim world.
The event was celebrated under the slogan “Equality for women is progress for all,” reflecting an approach that has become a prerequisite for women’s empowerment.
The
event also sought to address the conditions of economic vulnerability, social
exclusion and injustice under which Muslim women live, which include
deprivation of education and the right to a decent life.
Ali
said that the OIC believes that helping women improve their status and
strengthening the role of legislative bodies will guarantee women protection
against discrimination and violence and would ensure their participation in the
development and decision-making process.
Member states had adopted an action plan for women’s advancement based on political commitments and pledges made by the Extraordinary Islamic Summit Conference in Makkah in 2005.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________