OIC Reaffirms Commitment to Women’s Leadership in Science for Sustainable Future

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering women in science and technology, adopting a resolution to advance women’s education in STEM fields during the eighth session of the OIC Ministerial Conference on Women held in Cairo, Egypt, in 2021. In a statement issued on the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, observed on February 11, the OIC emphasized its Plan of Action for the Advancement of Women (OPAAW) as a strategic framework to strengthen women’s participation in science and technology.

Context and Background

The OIC’s commitment builds on longstanding efforts to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment across its 57 member states. The OPAAW serves as a comprehensive roadmap, focusing on equal education, employment, and leadership opportunities. The OIC Women Development Organization (WDO), headquartered in Cairo, plays a key role in implementing policies and initiatives to boost women’s involvement in scientific research and technological innovation. Additionally, the Jeddah Document on Women’s Rights in Islam, adopted during the International Conference on Women in Islam co-organized by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the OIC General Secretariat in November 2023, reinforced the importance of women’s empowerment in all fields.

Key Details

OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha called on member states and relevant institutions to intensify efforts ensuring the full participation of women and girls in science and technology, enabling them to take on leadership roles. He emphasized the OIC’s commitment to bridging the gender gap in science and technology and creating an environment that encourages women and girls to thrive, contribute to sustainable development, and enhance societal well-being. The statement highlights the OIC’s alignment with global initiatives such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 5 on gender equality.

Implications and Impact

This reaffirmation signals a collective push by OIC member states to harness the potential of women in driving scientific and technological advancements. By focusing on education and leadership, the initiative aims to address regional disparities in STEM fields, fostering innovation and economic growth. The involvement of Saudi Arabia, as the host of the OIC headquarters in Jeddah and a key proponent of the Jeddah Document, underscores the Kingdom’s leadership in promoting women’s rights within an Islamic framework. Enhanced women’s participation in science is expected to contribute to sustainable development across health, energy, and technology sectors in member states.

Vision 2030 Alignment

This initiative aligns closely with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which prioritizes women’s empowerment as a cornerstone of national transformation. The Kingdom has made significant strides in increasing women’s participation in the workforce and education, including STEM fields. By supporting OIC-wide efforts, Saudi Arabia reinforces its commitment to regional and global leadership in gender equality, furthering the goals of Vision 2030 to build a vibrant society and thriving economy. The focus on women in science directly contributes to sustainable development and positions the Kingdom as a catalyst for positive change in the Islamic world.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)?

A1. The OIC is an international organization consisting of 57 member states, seeking to safeguard and protect the interests of the Muslim world in the spirit of promoting international peace and harmony.

Q2. What did the OIC reaffirm regarding women in science?

A2. The OIC reaffirmed its commitment to empowering women in science and technology by promoting their education and leadership in STEM fields.

Q3. When was the resolution on women in STEM adopted?

A3. The resolution was adopted during the eighth session of the OIC Ministerial Conference on Women, held in Cairo, Egypt, in 2021.

Q4. What is the OIC Plan of Action for the Advancement of Women (OPAAW)?

A4. OPAAW is a strategic framework that aims to strengthen women’s participation in various sectors, including science and technology, through equal education, employment, and leadership opportunities.

Q5. What is the role of the OIC Women Development Organization (WDO)?

A5. The WDO, headquartered in Cairo, implements policies and initiatives to boost women’s involvement in scientific research and technological innovation.

Q6. What is the Jeddah Document on Women’s Rights in Islam?

A6. Adopted in November 2023, the Jeddah Document reinforces the importance of women’s empowerment across all fields, aligning with Islamic principles and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

Q7. Who co-organized the International Conference on Women in Islam?

A7. The conference was co-organized by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the OIC General Secretariat.

Q8. What did OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha call for?

A8. He called for intensified efforts to ensure full participation of women and girls in science and technology and to enable them to take on leadership roles.

Q9. How does the OIC aim to bridge the gender gap in science?

A9. By creating an environment that encourages women and girls to thrive, contribute to sustainable development, and enhance societal well-being.

Q10. Why is the International Day of Women and Girls in Science significant?

A10. It is a UN-recognized day on February 11 that promotes full and equal access to and participation in science for women and girls globally.

Q11. What are STEM fields?

A11. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, disciplines crucial for innovation and economic development.

Q12. How does this initiative support sustainable development?

A12. By empowering women in science, OIC member states can drive advancements in health, energy, and technology, contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Q13. What is Saudi Arabia’s role in this OIC initiative?

A13. Saudi Arabia, as host of the OIC headquarters and a key supporter of the Jeddah Document, leads efforts to promote women’s rights within an Islamic framework.

Q14. How does this align with Vision 2030?

A14. Vision 2030 prioritizes women’s empowerment as a cornerstone of national transformation, including increasing women’s participation in STEM fields.

Q15. What challenges does the OIC aim to address?

A15. The OIC aims to address regional disparities in STEM education and employment, and combat social and cultural barriers limiting women’s participation.

Q16. How will the OIC implement these commitments?

A16. Through the OPAAW and WDO, by developing policies, funding programs, and fostering partnerships with member states and international organizations.

Q17. What is the significance of the Jeddah Document?

A17. It provides a comprehensive Islamic framework for women’s rights, clarifying that empowerment is consistent with Islamic teachings.

Q18. Are there specific targets for women’s STEM participation?

A18. While specific targets are set by individual member states, the OIC encourages measurable goals as part of national development plans aligned with OPAAW.

Q19. How does this initiative impact the global perception of Islamic societies?

A19. It showcases Islamic societies’ commitment to gender equality and scientific progress, countering stereotypes and highlighting modern, inclusive values.

Q20. What is the expected outcome of this reaffirmation?

A20. Increased participation of women in STEM leadership, innovation, and sustainable development across OIC member states, contributing to global scientific progress.

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