The recently held first session of the OIC Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission, which elected a woman to chair its first meeting, identified women’s rights as a priority issue, especially in terms of equal access to education and jobs and the elimination of violence against them.
The theme for the 2012 International Women's Day devoted to empowering rural women and ending hunger and poverty is most appropriate, according to the OIC Secretary-General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, as it calls for greater commitment and collective efforts of the international community to address the issue.
Poverty is a major impediment to development, he said, adding its impact, however, is felt most by women, in particular those in rural areas. “I feel it is imperative for the international community to take a collective stand in creating opportunities for their empowerment and ending hunger. Our aim must be to bring the development process to the doorsteps of rural women through various programs including micro credit,” stated Ihsanoglu. Alleviating poverty among rural women is a priority, he stressed.
The OIC Plan of Action for the Advancement of Women (OPAAW), adopted in 2008 by the Second Ministerial Conference for Women in Cairo, commits the governments of the OIC member states to take actions to improve the outcomes for women in education, health, political participation, economic sustainability, social justice and wellbeing, and work-life balance.
At the top of OPAAW’s objectives is eradication of poverty, the achievement of sustainable development and provision of adequate resources and support as essential components towards achieving gender equality and empowerment of women at all levels and all sectors.
The OPAAW identifies the measures and means for implementing the objectives. Relevant organizations affiliated with the OIC, such as the Islamic Development Bank and the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry, have been active in implementing programs and projects in line with the OPAAW including providing micro credit, training and networking as well as access to funding, markets and information. The OIC Department for Family Affairs established in 2009 has been following up with concerned ministries in the member states on the progress made on this front.
There is also a proposal to establish a special unit for women development at its headquarters in Cairo.
There is no doubt that securing peace and social progress and the full enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms cannot be achieved without the active participation and progress of women, Ihsanoglu said.
In this context, the sufferings of women under occupation and women victims of war should be addressed with urgency as these sufferings have long-lasting negative effect on the overall environment of societies, he added.
The OIC remains committed to the cause of promotion of women in coordination with the member states and other stakeholders in the international community. It gives special emphasis to gender equality, women participation in socioeconomic activities and in decision-making, their access to education and economic opportunities, and elimination of violence against them. “These are the essential ingredients to empower women,” said Ihsanoglu.
