Hussein Ibrahim Taha, the Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, states that education for girls is not only a fundamental right but also recognized as a vital investment for Islamic communities.
Mr. Taha made these remarks at a two-day conference titled “Education for Girls in Muslim Communities: Challenges and Opportunities,” held in Pakistan. He emphasized that the progress of Islamic communities is not possible without the participation of women in all areas.
He stressed that to achieve sustainable development, more effective and rapid steps must be taken to realize education for girls and women in Muslim communities.
He highlighted the need for sustainable policies and appropriate financial resources to be allocated for the education of girls and women in Islamic countries, emphasizing that all countries must be held accountable in this regard.
In part of his speech, the Secretary-General referred to the importance of the teachings of the Quran and the traditions of the Prophet Muhammad regarding the education of girls and women, adding that Islam does not discriminate in this matter.
The two-day meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation focused on education for girls in Muslim countries, particularly in Afghanistan, and began on Saturday, January 22, in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan.
The conference, which concluded yesterday (Sunday, January 13), was attended by over 20 foreign ministers from Islamic countries, scholars from the Islamic world, and representatives from global Islamic organizations.
Malala Yousafzai, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and women’s rights activist, also spoke at this conference about her experiences in promoting girls’ education and urged the international community to provide more support for this movement.
Additionally, Muhammad Al-Issa, Secretary-General of the World Muslim League and head of the Muslim Scholars Organization, stated at this meeting that Islam categorically rejects any form of deprivation of women’s education, whether partial or complete, at any age, level, or specialization.
While this meeting emphasized the importance of girls’ education, the interim government has closed schools for girls above sixth grade and universities to female students after seizing control of Afghanistan. Although this action by the current government was initially described as temporary until “further notice,” three years later, they have not only maintained this stance but have intensified it.
In the latest instance, the current government has also prohibited girls and women from studying in medical educational institutions.
Moreover, women and girls have been banned from going to parks, baths, beauty salons, traveling without a male guardian, speaking loudly, and working.
These restrictions and prohibitions have sparked widespread global reactions.
