Morocco Highlights Women’s Rights Achievements at OIC Conference in Cairo
Agadir, The Gulf Observer: Minister of Solidarity, Social Inclusion, and Family Naima Ben Yahya represented Morocco at an international conference of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) held in Cairo on Sunday, February 1, highlighting the Kingdom’s achievements in promoting women’s rights and gender equality.
The conference brought together officials, media professionals, and religious leaders from OIC member states to discuss ways to support and empower women across the Islamic world.
During the event, Ben Yahya chaired a session titled “The Role of Media, Culture, and Arts in Shaping Societal Awareness of the Positive Roles of Women.” In her remarks, she underscored Morocco’s approach of aligning international commitments with national specificities, guided by King Mohammed VI’s firm commitment to making women’s advancement a national priority.
The minister highlighted Morocco’s efforts to combat discrimination and challenge stereotypes about women, particularly through media and cultural initiatives. She recalled a range of programs aimed at promoting positive representation and showcasing women’s achievements across various sectors of society.
Addressing the role of religious discourse in empowerment, Ben Yahya outlined initiatives led by the Ministry of Religious Endowments and Islamic Affairs, including awareness campaigns during Friday sermons on the dangers of violence against women. These campaigns, she said, promote Islamic values that emphasize non-discrimination and cooperation. She also pointed to Morocco’s investment in training female religious guides, known as Mourchidat, who play a key role in strengthening women’s status and promoting gender equality within local communities.
Ben Yahya further stressed the importance of recognizing women’s economic and social contributions, including domestic work, which is often undervalued. She noted that Morocco’s 2011 Constitution marked a turning point in consolidating gender equality and encouraging women’s participation in public life, while reconciling national traditions with universal human and religious values.
Discussions at the conference also focused on opportunities and challenges posed by digital platforms and cross-border media, emphasizing the need for stronger cooperation among OIC member states to produce positive content and counter violence against women and girls.
On the sidelines of the event, Amal Ammar, President of Egypt’s National Council for Women, honored Minister Ben Yahya in recognition of her efforts to defend women’s rights and promote gender equality.
