The Government of Pakistan has presented an integrated strategy combining education, skills training, and legal reforms as a critical pathway for Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states to achieve sustainable economic growth, particularly those confronting demographic and economic challenges.
At a high-level conference in the Egyptian capital, the Pakistani delegation asserted that boosting female participation in the workforce is not only a social imperative but also an essential driver of national economic stability, says an official report by MOIB today. The officials made their case at the OIC Women Development Organization (OIC-WDO) Conference held at the Al-Azhar Al-Sharif Centre from 1-2 February.
The delegation, led by Minister of State for Federal Education and Professional Training, Ms. Wajiha Qamar, and Ms. Mehreen Gul of the Ministry of Human Rights, detailed Pakistan’s ongoing initiatives. These include policies to support female entrepreneurs, revisions to labour laws, digital skills development programmes, and the creation of women-friendly workplaces.
From an educational standpoint, the representatives underscored the necessity of providing market-relevant vocational training aligned with emerging growth sectors. They also highlighted the importance of care-supportive infrastructure, such as childcare, to improve women’s retention in both training and formal employment.
Furthermore, the delegation stressed the need to connect certified skills and entrepreneurship support with financial inclusion and digital literacy. This linkage, they argued, is vital for enabling women to transition into productive and sustainable livelihoods.
In its concluding remarks, Pakistan’s delegation proposed that a coordinated approach that merges education, skills development, care infrastructure, financial access, and robust legal protections offers one of the most effective routes to inclusive growth for OIC nations.
As a member of the Women Development Organization, Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to the WDO’s mandate. The Ministry of Human Rights serves as the country”s lead body for WDO, spearheading national and international cooperation to advance women”s rights across the bloc.