Islamabad: The 9th OIC Ministerial Conference on Women opened in Islamabad, focusing on the socio-economic development of women. The two-day event aims to address challenges and progress related to women’s empowerment in the Muslim world.

According to Radio Pakistan, the first day of the conference included technical sessions reviewing the OIC Plan of Action for the Advancement of Women and discussing women’s social, economic, and political empowerment. Participants examined issues such as education, healthcare, economic opportunities, financial inclusion, and representation in decision-making and technology sectors.

The Chair of the 8th OIC Ministerial Conference provided an update on progress since the last meeting. Various reports on women’s development were also presented. Additionally, Pakistan’s Minister for Human Rights, Azam Nazeer Tarar, held meetings with officials from Iran, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and other nations, as well as representatives from the Women Development Organization and the OIC Labour Centre.

An agreement was signed between Pakistan and Türkiye to enhance cooperation in family affairs, social services, and social protection. Visiting delegations expressed confidence in Pakistan’s upcoming chairmanship of the conference and pledged to collaborate on promoting women’s empowerment and human rights.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will chair the ministerial session tomorrow, where Pakistan will formally assume the conference’s chairmanship from Egypt. The event is expected to conclude with the adoption of the Islamabad Declaration and resolutions aimed at advancing women’s development and empowerment.