Islamabad: Chairman of the Senate, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, has urged the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member countries to take definitive action towards the socio-economic empowerment of women, moving beyond mere declarations. Addressing the 9th OIC Ministerial Conference on Women in Islamabad, Gilani emphasized the need for OIC nations to adopt measurable targets in areas such as girls’ education, women’s leadership, entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, and protection against gender-based violence.

According to Radio Pakistan, Gilani stressed Pakistan’s commitment to advancing women’s empowerment through education, digital inclusion, and access to financial and employment opportunities. He assured that the Pakistani government and parliament are prepared to collaborate with OIC member states and the Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States (PUIC) to promote a shared agenda for women’s empowerment, rooted in common faith and values.

Gilani highlighted that women make up nearly half of the population in OIC countries, underscoring that no nation can achieve inclusive growth without the economic and political participation of half its human capital. He noted that Islam has long guaranteed women rights to education, property, and economic participation, with teachings that continue to support women’s societal roles.

Paying tribute to Muslim women’s contributions across various fields, Gilani also commemorated Benazir Bhutto, Pakistan’s and the Muslim world’s first female Prime Minister, as an inspiring figure. He referred to initiatives like the Benazir Income Support Programme and legislation against workplace harassment and other anti-women practices as part of Pakistan’s efforts to support women-led enterprises and empowerment during his tenure as Prime Minister.