ISLAMABAD - The ninth OIC Ministerial Conference on Women concluded Monday afternoon. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation urged member states to boost women's involvement in politics, the economy, education and broader society.

The resulting Islamabad Declaration notably addressed Afghanistan. It voiced deep concern over limits on girls' schooling and women's jobs, calling these measures inconsistent with Islamic principles. The statement urged removal of barriers to allow full and equal participation by Afghan women and girls in public affairs.

The declaration renewed the OIC pledge to advance women's social, economic and political strength throughout the Muslim world. It noted that empowering women and girls drives progress, resilience and prosperity in OIC societies, describing investment in their education, skills and leadership as vital for the future of the Ummah.

More than 190 delegates, participants

The event, themed Socio-Economic and Political Empowerment of Women in the OIC Countries: Challenges and Way Forward, gathered over 190 delegates and participants. Ministers, senior officials and representatives from the OIC's 57 member states examined education, economic roles, social inclusion and empowerment through the lens of women's rights in Islam.

OIC Assistant Secretary-General Tarig Ali Bakheet, speaking for Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha, stressed that advancing women ranks as a top priority needing dedicated resources and political will.

He warned that passing conference resolutions marks only the start, with real gains depending on ongoing teamwork, adequate funding and firm political resolve.

Pakistan's federal minister for law, justice and human rights, Azam Nazeer Tarar, took the chair of the ninth conference. He reaffirmed Pakistan's dedication to fostering women's empowerment across the Muslim world via joint efforts.

An economic necessity

Tarar told attendees that women's empowerment represents not merely a social goal but an economic requirement, a governance focus and a foundation for sustainable development.

Women's Development Organization Executive Director Sarah Al-Shoura outlined steps to deepen cooperation among member states and expand policies supporting women's roles in education, economic growth and leadership.

A key highlight was the return of a Syrian delegation headed by Minister of Social Affairs and Labour Hind Kabawat. This marked Syria's re-engagement with the OIC Ministerial Conference on Women after years of absence. Kabawat called the step important for strengthening Syria's global ties and opening avenues for expertise exchange with other participants.

The gathering occurred against a backdrop of ongoing women's rights challenges in several Muslim-majority nations. Since the Taliban regained power in August 2021, Afghan women and girls have encountered broad curbs, including bans on secondary and higher education, job limits and travel rules requiring a male guardian.

Afghanistan received an invitation yet sent no official Taliban delegation. A small number of Afghan women in exile took part as individuals.

Taliban chief spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid, when asked about non-participation and women's rights, stated that Islam requires protection of women's rights to inheritance, marriage, freedom from forced unions and dignity in society. He claimed the Islamic Emirate had restored these rights and remains committed to Sharia-based protections.

Pakistan kept Afghan women's issues prominent, with officials stressing restrictions on education and participation. Minister of State for Law and Justice Aqeel Malik termed the situation an alarming test for the Muslim world's conscience and urged the OIC to apply collective diplomatic pressure.

Former Afghan Supreme Court judge Tahmina Safi told The Media Line that Islam grants women and men equal core rights in dignity, education, property, inheritance, financial independence and consent in marriage, work and public life. She noted that many Muslim scholars view Taliban policies as contrary to Islamic teachings and jurisprudence, citing documented extrajudicial actions that clash with Islamic standards.

Safi argued the OIC should instead work directly with Afghan women scholars, judges and civil society figures in exile to support an inclusive political process.

Norway-based Afghan scholar Nazifa Jalali emphasized the need to separate Islam from Taliban policies. She recalled women's historical roles as scholars and leaders and described current restrictions as gender apartheid. Jalali said OIC states and scholars have repeatedly called for restoring girls' education and women's work rights, showing the Taliban's stance is not universally accepted.

Lahore entrepreneur Dure Shawar viewed the conference as a chance to build cooperation on women's empowerment. She stressed that economic strength underpins meaningful inclusion and that success of the Islamabad Declaration depends on turning pledges into practical steps removing barriers for women entrepreneurs and leaders.