The 9th Ministerial Conference on Women, organized by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), convened in Islamabad on Sunday to address the socio-economic and political empowerment of women across its 57 member states. The two-day summit, hosted by Pakistan’s Ministry of Human Rights, brings together approximately 190 delegates to finalize a common framework for advancing gender parity, concluding with the adoption of the "Islamabad Declaration."
Agenda and Objectives for OIC Member States
The conference focuses on expanding women’s access to critical sectors, including education, healthcare, employment, entrepreneurship, and digital technology. According to state broadcaster Radio Pakistan, technical-level meetings held on Sunday reviewed the progress of the "OIC Plan of Action for the Advancement of Women."
Experts and senior officials spent the opening day finalizing recommendations for the ministerial session scheduled for Monday. The discussions aim to build on the foundation laid during the 8th Ministerial Conference, which took place in Cairo in 2021. Law and Human Rights Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, who is chairing the event on behalf of Pakistan, held bilateral meetings with representatives from Iran, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Syria, Somalia, and Yemen to discuss cooperative strategies for inclusive development.
Pakistan’s Role and Leadership Transition
Pakistan officially assumes the chairmanship of the OIC Ministerial Conference on Women from Egypt for a two-year term during this summit. Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz are participating in the proceedings, which Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to inaugurate.
Minister Tarar stated in an Islamabad press conference that the forum serves as a platform to showcase Pakistan’s domestic initiatives for women’s empowerment. The "Islamabad Declaration," expected to be adopted at the conclusion of the event, will serve as the primary roadmap for OIC member states to harmonize their policies on women’s rights and sustainable development.
Contextualizing Gender Parity Challenges
The conference takes place against a backdrop of significant statistical challenges regarding gender equality in the host nation. According to the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Global Gender Gap Report 2025, Pakistan ranks among the lowest of 148 countries, recording a gender parity score of 56.7 percent.
This figure represents a decline from the country’s 2023 peak of 57.7 percent. Furthermore, data from the International Labour Organisation (ILO) indicates a persistent economic disparity, with women in wage employment in Pakistan earning approximately 30 percent less than their male counterparts.
Key Takeaways
- Event Scope: Approximately 190 delegates from 57 OIC member states are participating in the two-day summit in Islamabad.
- Core Focus: The conference targets increased access to financial services, digital opportunities, and employment for women.
- Leadership: Pakistan is taking over the two-year chairmanship of the OIC Ministerial Conference on Women from Egypt.
- Policy Outcome: The meeting will conclude with the "Islamabad Declaration," establishing a new framework for cooperation among member nations.