ICESCO will proclaim 2021 as the “Year of Women” in recognition of their efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Salim M. Al-Malik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), called for developing an anticipatory vision to prioritize women and girls as a solid strategic foundation for a sustainable development project in Muslim countries.

The DG also called for a better and accurate definition of the concept of “empowerment” with the contribution of women given their fundamental role in building society.

The statement was part of Dr. AlMalik’s address at the opening session of the International Forum on Economic Empowerment of Women and Girls. The Moroccan Ministry of Solidarity, Social Development, Equality and Family, held the event today, in Rabat, under the theme “Morocco’s efforts in the economic empowerment of women and girls.” presided by Dr. Saad Dine El Otmani, Head of Government, with the participation of many ministers and heads of diplomatic missions and international organizations.

Other Member States’ ministers of women affairs as well as the representatives of national and international bodies joined the videoconference.

Dr. AlMalik commended Morocco’s efforts to better integrate and empower women under the wise leadership and determined directions of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, implemented by the government in various fields.

“The empowerment of the Moroccan women has been a strategic decision since the dawn of independence,” said the DG.

“Morocco should be proud of the achievements of the Moroccan women who achieved leading positions in the country and beyond,” he added.
Dr. AlMalik announced that ICESCO will proclaim 2021 as the “Year of Women” in recognition of their efforts during the pandemic and the advancement of their role in the society.

The DG also stressed the Organization’s keenness to implement the principle of gender equality in all positions of responsibility. Women represent 45% of the whole staff members of ICESCO, which continues the recruitment of competent women to achieve parity, he continued.

Dr. AlMalik also stressed the importance of seizing the opportunity amid the COVID-19 to protect women’s rights and support their economic situations.

“Women have stood in the front lines in the face of the pandemic in the medical, educational, and economic sectors. 57% of women work in the health sector and 64% in the social sector,” he highlighted.