H.E. Zehra Zümrüt SELÇUK participated in the Workshop on 'Women, Peace and Security' and the Second Jadal Summit, held on 30 January - 2 February 2026 in Doha, Qatar. The workshop and the summit were organized by the Al-Mujadilah Center & Mosque for Women of the Qatar Foundation. It brought together female scholars, researchers, and practitioners to address contemporary challenges affecting Muslim women.

Prior to the summit, a full-day Research Workshop titled “Mapping the Women, Peace and Security Landscape through History, Faith, Actors, and Country Case Studies” was held on 30 January 2026. During the workshop, H.E. SELÇUK delivered a comprehensive, data-driven presentation on the situation of women across OIC countries, with particular emphasis on data indicators used within peacebuilding frameworks.

In her presentation, H.E. SELÇUK highlighted that the female population in the OIC region is estimated to exceed one billion by 2025, accounting for 49.4% of the total OIC population and 25.8% of the world’s female population. Given the significance of this demographic, she emphasized that women’s empowerment, representation, and meaningful participation in peacebuilding processes are crucial.

She further underscored that peace agreements with women signatories demonstrate higher rates of implementation and sustainability. Despite this evidence, women represented only 7% of negotiators and 14% of mediators in formal peace processes in 2024, with many negotiations excluding women altogether.

H.E. SELÇUK noted that promoting women’s inclusion in peace and security processes enhances the durability of peace and national stability, whereas exclusion increases the risk of relapse into violence. She also stressed that existing indicators often measure women’s presence rather than their actual decision-making power. Additionally, she emphasized the importance of engaging faith-based and community actors, who play a critical role in shaping legitimacy at the local level.

She concluded her remarks by highlighting the ongoing efforts of the OIC and SESRIC in advancing women’s empowerment and participation in peace and development.

The Second Jadal Summit, held under the theme “Muslim Women Navigating Theology, Ethics, and Society,” concluded with a series of panel discussions. The Al-Mujadilah Center & Mosque for Women serves as a research and community hub dedicated to women’s study, dialogue, and worship, inspired by the traditional role of the mosque as the axis of society.

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