ISLAMABAD, July 13 (Lord Media): Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani on Monday urged the member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to translate their commitments into concrete measures for women’s economic empowerment, describing it as essential for sustainable development.
Addressing the opening session of the 9th OIC Ministerial Conference on Women in Islamabad, Gilani said Islam had guaranteed women’s rights to education, property, inheritance and economic participation more than 1,400 years ago.
He said women constituted nearly half of the population of OIC member states and stressed that no country could achieve inclusive growth while excluding women from economic and political participation.
The Senate chairman reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to promoting women’s empowerment through education, entrepreneurship, digital inclusion, financial access and employment opportunities.
Highlighting Pakistan’s progress, Gilani said programmes such as the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) and Waseela-e-Taleem had improved the economic security of millions of women and expanded girls’ access to education.
He said women in Pakistan were serving prominently as parliamentarians, judges, diplomats, entrepreneurs, journalists and academics, adding that meaningful participation in public life was crucial for national development.
Gilani also underscored the importance of women’s safety and highlighted legislation against workplace harassment, domestic violence and anti-women practices, as well as the establishment of women protection centres and support mechanisms.
Expressing concern over the challenges faced by women affected by conflict, poverty and climate change, he called for stronger cooperation among OIC member states to exchange best practices and develop policies to advance women’s empowerment across the Muslim world.
The chairman urged OIC countries to adopt measurable targets for girls’ education, women’s leadership, financial inclusion, digital skills and protection against gender-based violence to ensure tangible progress. LORDS
