The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) joins the International Community in observing March 08, International Women’s Day. H.E. Hissein Brahim Taha, the OIC’s Secretary-General, emphasized the attention the OIC pays to women’s issues and empowerment considering the difficulties and challenges they face to obtain their rights guaranteed by international systems based on the OIC’s conviction that enhancing the role of women in the comprehensive and sustainable development process requires taking concrete measures to ensure their effective participation at various levels and in leadership and decision-making roles.
On this global occasion, the international community needs to take cognizance of the chosen theme for this year, “Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow.”
The Secretary-General sent a message of congratulations to women in the Islamic world and worldwide, for all their achievements in all fields, especially for their tremendous efforts in addressing the Covid-19 pandemic as doctors, nurses, and public health social care workers. Hissein Taha paid a special tribute to the Palestinian woman, praising her efforts in standing up to the Israeli occupation forces and the continuous support she provides to her family and society to adhere to unity to confront the practices of oppression and violence pursued by the Israeli occupation forces. The Secretary-General also saluted women in Afghanistan, emphasizing their right to education and job opportunities to achieve peace, stability, and comprehensive development in Afghanistan.
The Secretary-General pointed out that today, in light of the climate crisis and the challenges facing the world to reduce the risks of climate, environmental, health, and war disasters, which have the most significant impact on the most vulnerable groups in societies, including women who face poverty and depend on natural resources affected by climate in particular to support their families and children, or even working women forced to quit their jobs or educational opportunities to take care of their families during periods of disaster or quarantine to address Covid-19 and its successive variants.—PR
