Summary Islamabad to host OIC’s 9th Ministerial Conference on Women, bringing together delegates from 57 member states for two days of discussions on advancing women’s socio-economic and political empowerment
ISLAMABAD – Pakistan is preparing to host one of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation’s (OIC) most significant ministerial gatherings on women’s issues, as delegates from across the Muslim world arrive in the federal capital for the 9th Ministerial Conference on Women.
The two-day conference will take place on July 12 and 13 at the Jinnah Convention Centre under the theme, Socio-Economic and Political Empowerment of Women in the OIC Countries: Challenges and Way Forward. Representatives from all 57 OIC member states are expected to participate in discussions aimed at strengthening cooperation and promoting women’s empowerment across the Islamic world.
Organised by Pakistan’s Ministry of Human Rights, the conference will bring together ministers responsible for women and family affairs, senior government officials, representatives of OIC institutions, international organisations and development partners. The gathering is expected to focus on reviewing progress made by member states, sharing successful policies and identifying practical ways to enhance women’s participation in economic, social and political life.
Pakistan will formally assume the chair of the conference, with Federal Minister for Law, Justice and Human Rights Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar presiding over the proceedings. As chair, Pakistan will lead discussions, facilitate dialogue among member states and work towards building consensus on collective initiatives to strengthen women’s rights, dignity and opportunities throughout the OIC.
Ahead of the conference, visiting delegations were welcomed at Islamabad International Airport by Minister of State for Law and Justice Barrister Aqeel Malik, Parliamentary Secretary for Human Rights Saba Sadiq, Parliamentary Secretary for Law and Justice Farah Naz Akbar, along with senior officials from the ministries of Human Rights and Foreign Affairs.
Among the senior officials attending are Saudi Arabia’s Family Affairs Council Secretary General Dr Maimoonah Khalil Alkhalil, Egypt’s National Council for Women President Amal Ammar, Bangladesh’s Women and Children Affairs Minister Abu Zafar Md. Zahid Hossain, Iraq’s Vice President for Women and Family Affairs Dr Zainab Al-Mulla Al-Sultani, Libya’s Minister of State for Women’s Affairs Grebe Randa, Yemen’s Minister Dr Ahed Mohammed Jassous, Nigeria’s Women Affairs Minister Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Somalia’s Minister for Family and Human Rights Development Khadija Makhzoumi, and Mauritania’s Social Affairs Ministry Secretary General Hamoudi Cheikhna Ali.
Warm welcome to all delegates arriving for the 9th OIC Ministerial Conference on Women in Islamabad. We wish you productive discussions & a memorable stay in Islamabad. pic.twitter.com/LpkSKrhHrq
— Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) July 11, 2026
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar welcomed the visiting delegates in a message posted on X, expressing hope that they would have productive discussions and a memorable stay in Islamabad.
Pakistan has described hosting the conference as a reflection of its commitment to the objectives of the OIC and its efforts to strengthen cooperation among member states in advancing women’s rights and empowerment. Over the two days, delegates are expected to exchange experiences, review achievements and discuss practical strategies for addressing shared challenges affecting women across OIC countries.
The conference comes as Pakistan continues to face significant gender equality challenges. The World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2025 ranked Pakistan last among 148 countries, with an overall gender parity score of 56.7 percent, marking a second consecutive annual decline. Separately, the International Labour Organisation has reported that women in wage employment in Pakistan earn approximately 30 percent less per month than their male counterparts.
