Declaration says girls education is societal necessity, asks govts, institutions to prioritize education
The Islamabad Declaration on the concluding day (Sunday) of the two-day global summit on girls’ education in Muslim countries has emphasized that girls’ education is not only a religious obligation but also an “urgent societal necessity.”
Over 150 representatives from 47 countries, including education experts, religious scholars, diplomats and politicians, attended the summit.
The call was made at a time when global leaders, organizations and activists are urging the Taliban to reverse their restrictive policies about women in Afghanistan.
“It is a fundamental right safeguarded by divine laws, mandated by Islamic teachings, reinforced by international charters, and well-established by national constitutions,” the Islamabad declaration said, calling for unified efforts to safeguard girls’ right to education and ensure their empowerment, and acknowledging that educated women play a pivotal role in fostering stable families and communities.
The international conference on girls’ education urged Islamic governments, private institutions and international organizations to prioritize girls’ education in national agendas, stressing the importance of combating extremist ideologies and cultural norms that obstruct educational opportunities for women.
“Denying girls their right to education is a grave misuse of religious principles,” the declaration asserted, calling for the dissemination of fatwas and resolutions from Islamic councils that affirm women’s right to knowledge. It is a fundamental right safeguarded by divine laws, mandated by Islamic teachings, reinforced by international charters, and well-established by national constitutions.
“Drawing from the core principles of Islamic education to guide the educational process in harmony with cultural and religious identity, while incorporating national and global insights and knowledge that have advanced education and learning.”
“Uniting efforts to safeguard girls’ right to education and ensure their empowerment, acknowledging that educated women play a pivotal role in fostering stable families and communities. This, in turn, promotes global peace, national harmony, and fortifies societies against challenges such as extremism, violence, crime, and atheism.”
It further stated that issuing a caution against extremist ideologies, fatwas, and opinions rooted in cultural norms and patterns that obstruct girls’ education, which constitute a regrettable perpetuation of societal biases against women. Such actions represent a grave misuse of religious principles to legitimize policies of deprivation and exclusion.
“Mobilizing all resources to support the efforts of Islamic countries in advancing education through improved methods and content, with a particular emphasis on girls’ education, ensuring it is placed at the forefront of their national priorities. This initiative aims to ensure equal access to education for all girls and fulfill international commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals.”
It stressed for providing free scholarships to offer educational opportunities for girls affected by poverty, conflicts, and social challenges. It asked for considering with due importance the resolutions of Islamic Figh councils and the fatwas issued by scholarly bodies affirming women’s legitimate right to acquire knowledge across diverse fields and educational levels. Priority should be given to disseminating these resolutions and fatwas, while actively addressing and countering perspectives that seek to undermine this fundamental right.
“Promoting the enhancement of digital educational content by urging educational institutions and international organizations to create digital resources that improve girls’ access to education.”
