Education is the only way to empower girls: OIC Secretary-General

Dr. Yousef bin Ahmed Al-Othaimeen, Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, OIC, has called upon member states and civil society organisations to intensify their efforts to support girls' education.

In a statement on the occasion on OIC website, Dr. Al-Othaimeen has said that education that this is the only way to empower them, improve their status, ensure their participation in the development of their respective societies, and activate their role to be able to take responsibility of future generations.

He also called for the cooperation of international, regional and civil society organisations with the OIC member states to monitor, analyse, and propose solutions to the challenges faced by girls and women in general, especially those living in conflict and crisis areas or under occupation.

This comes as part of the international community's celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child, which is marked on 11th October each year. It aims to address the issues of girls and the challenges facing them, enhance girls' empowerment, provide them with the opportunity to prove their capabilities, achieve their aspirations and protect their rights, and raise awareness of the need to exert more efforts to achieve gender parity and justice in all areas.

Recognising the importance of childcare and welfare, especially girls, in building societies and future generations, the 44th Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers held in Abidjan in July 2017 adopted a resolution on improving the situation of children. It urged OIC member states to work to improve the situation of children, especially those living in difficult conditions in conflict-torn regions, those suffering under occupation, and displaced children and refugees. It called upon all OIC member states to work towards meeting their needs, paying more attention to their education and health, and helping in reintegrating them into normal life in their homes.

Since 2012, 11th October has been marked as the International Day of the Girl with the aim of highlighting and addressing the needs and challenges girls face, while promoting girls' empowerment and the fulfillment of their human rights.