Shafaqna Pakistan: Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani on Monday called on OIC member states to turn their commitments into practical measures to advance women’s socio-economic empowerment, as Pakistan assumed the chairmanship of the 9th OIC Ministerial Conference on Women.
Addressing the conference’s opening session, Gilani said empowering women was both an Islamic obligation and essential for sustainable development.
He noted that Islam had guaranteed women rights to education, property, inheritance, economic participation and dignity more than 1,400 years ago, adding that the teachings of the Holy Quran and the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) continue to provide guidance for women’s meaningful role in society.
Welcoming ministers, parliamentarians and delegates from across the OIC, Gilani said women make up nearly half the population of member states, stressing that inclusive growth is impossible without their full economic and political participation.
Gilani paid tribute to the contributions of Muslim women in education, governance, science, diplomacy, business, and public service, and described Benazir Bhutto as the first woman prime minister of Pakistan and the Muslim world whose vision continued to inspire generations.
Highlighting Pakistan’s efforts, he referred to the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), Waseela-e-Taleem and other initiatives for women-led enterprises, including for financial inclusion, digital skills, and e-commerce.
He also recalled landmark legislation enacted during his tenure as prime minister, including laws against workplace harassment, acid crimes, and anti-women practices, and called on OIC member states to adopt measurable targets for girls’ education, women’s leadership, entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, and protection against gender-based violence.
Source: Express Tribune
