Azernews.Az

By Sara Rajabova

The fifth Ministerial Conference on the Role of Women in the Development of the OIC Member States wrapped up in Baku on October 21.

On the first day of the event, the participants highlighted the role of the two-day conference, saying it would contribute to the protection of women`s rights and expansion of their role in society. The officials from foreign countries expressed gratitude to Azerbaijan`s First Lady, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva for holding the conference.

During the last day of the conference, a UNDP-Turkey project called "The empowerment of women in OIC Member States" was presented. Meanwhile, OIC member states' projects including statistical, economic, social research and training centers for Islamic countries were unveiled at the conference.

The speakers noted that women are still grappling with problems in the field of health, education in some OIC member states and there is a need for serious reforms. They also said significant progress has been made in OIC member states in improving conditions for women and ensuring their participation in various areas. They also added that this is not enough: women and girls are still being sidelined and deprived of their basic rights in education and face violence that left them out of political fields.

The speakers underlined that the education of women for ensuring their development is one of the major issues. It was noted that this will contribute to women's self-improvement, providing them with jobs and increasing their activities invarious areas of life.

It was also pointed out that one of the main issues that hinder women's development is an early marriage. Unfortunately, there has not been any progress in this field in some of the OIC member states. Women's lack of economic freedom and unemployment has created a certain set of psychological problems.

The speakers noted that there are more opportunities for women in the field of tourism. It was also added that there is a need for reforms in the field of gender equality.

The participants stressed that the increasing role of women in governance is a sign of development of democracy in society.

The speakers also said additional measures need to be taken for implementing the proposals voiced at the conference aimed at improving the status of women. Also, it was added that certain mechanisms should be developed to improve the condition of women in politics.

The speakers expressed confidence that the Baku conference will contribute to solving the problems of women. It was noted that all member states should increase their efforts, to meet these challenges.

The conference was finalized with adoption of Baku declaration. More than 220 delegates from nearly 60 countries attended the conference.