Following three days of rich discussions and a positive exchange of ideas, the International Seminar on the Status of Girls’ Education in the Arab and Islamic World issued a set of recommendations, at the close of its proceedings on Friday, April 19, 2024, at the headquarters of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) in Rabat. The recommendations focused on establishing gender equality at all levels of education, training educational staff on gender and equal opportunities, and providing psychological, social and financial support for groups affected by poverty, conflicts and social challenges.

The recommendations of the seminar, held by ICESCO and the Arab Women’s Organization, also included calling for strengthening the role of the media in changing the stereotypical image of women, supporting the efforts of governments in developing plans for gender and social protection issues and developing strategies to reform education to suit the multiple societal roles of women. It also recommended expanding their economic rehabilitation programs, especially in rural communities, ensuring wider participation of women in economic, social and cultural activities, calling on states to review education sector budgets, increasing allocations for the development of digital education, and organizing awareness campaigns and educational programs on the importance of learning.

The second and third days of the symposium included five sessions that presented working papers and discussed girls’ education, changing family perceptions, and devising policies to promote girls’ education, counter gender stereotypes in school curricula, and foster girls’ education in conflict and crisis situations.

Afterwards, Dr. Fadia Kiwan, Director-General (DG) of the Arab Women Organization, and Ms. Sally Mabrouk, Director of the Office of ICESCO DG, honored Asmaa Benfassi in recognition of her media efforts in defending women and girls’ issues and highlighting their creative and leadership potential.

At the end of the symposium, honorary shields were exchanged between ICESCO and the Arab Women’s Organization. The symposium participants then toured the International Exhibition and Museum of the Prophet’s Seerah and Islamic Civilization, currently housed at ICESCO’s headquarters.