H.E. Zehra Zümrüt SELÇUK addressed the Workshop on the Dissemination of the Jeddah Declaration on the Rights of Women in Islam, held in Kabul, Afghanistan, on 17-18 February 2025. The event, organized by the OIC Office in Afghanistan in collaboration with the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), marked the first anniversary of the Jeddah Document on Women's Rights in Islam.

The two-day workshop commemorated this landmark document, adopted during the International Conference on Women in Islam in November 2023, which represents a significant milestone in reaffirming the rights, empowerment, and contributions of women within the framework of Islamic principles.

In her address, H.E. SELÇUK provided a comprehensive analysis of the essential contributions of women across the OIC region. Drawing on SESRIC’s extensive research and robust data, she highlighted the pivotal role of women in the OIC countries. By integrating historical perspectives with current statistical insights, she drew attention to how women's empowerment contributes to sustainable socio-economic development in member countries.

The workshop brought together representatives from regional and international organizations, national institutions, civil society, and the media. Among the distinguished attendees were Amb. Dr. Mohammed Saeed Alayyash, Director General of the OIC Mission in Kabul; H.E. Roza Otunbayeva, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Afghanistan; Amb. Tariq Bakheet, OIC Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian, Cultural, and Social Affairs; H.E. Prof. Noura Al Rashoud, Executive Director of the Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC); H.E. Dr. Afnan Al Shuaybi, Executive Director of the Women Development Organization (WDO); and Mrs. Suzan Ahmed Mohamed, Representative of the Department of Social & Family Affairs at the OIC General Secretariat.

The workshop served as a platform to strengthen dialogue, promote policy coordination, and advance concrete initiatives to enhance women’s rights in the OIC region.

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