Benali: Women are Active in Fields of Science, Education, and Culture

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) held a major celebration on Thursday, 12 March 2026, at its headquarters in Rabat, to mark International Women’s Day under the theme “For All Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, Empowerment,” aimed at promoting awareness of the contributions of women and girls within society and the importance of strengthening their capacities across various fields.

The event opened with a recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, followed by an address by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General, in which he conveyed greetings to all women. He noted that the civilization of the Islamic world has, since its earliest days, honored women, upheld their rightful status, and laid the foundations for the achievements witnessed today, where women serve as pioneers and leaders occupying the highest positions of influence.

Dr. AlMalik highlighted that ICESCO places women’s issues at the core of its priorities, reflected in women holding fifty percent of leadership positions within the Organization. He affirmed that ICESCO has a clear vision in which women are accorded full dignity and occupy leadership roles commensurate with those of men.

For her part, Dr. Leila Benali, Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development of the Kingdom of Morocco, stressed the particular importance of the celebration’s theme, as it places women’s roles in building, development, and influence at the center of discussion. She underlined that women in the Islamic and Arab world are active in science, education, culture, and action and reform, and she reviewed Morocco’s national efforts to empower women and strengthen their dignity and status.

The ceremony then featured a screening of a short film titled “Women Making Impact,” followed by verses of Prophetic praise, and a high-level panel discussion moderated by Dr. Ramata Almamy Mbaye, Head of the Human and Social Sciences Sector at ICESCO. The session included the participation of Dr. Yousra bint Hussein AlJazairy, Chair of the Cultural Committee of the Group of Spouses of Arab Ambassadors and Heads of International Organizations accredited to Morocco, who emphasized the importance of supporting women’s success stories, which reach their full impact when transformed into sustained contributions that open broader opportunities for other women.

Dr. Yousra AlJazairy noted that women’s experiences across the Islamic world vary, with some having access to education and leadership opportunities, while others continue striving to obtain them. She called for narrowing the gaps in education and empowerment.

In her intervention, H.E. Mawadda Omar Haj Al-Toam, Ambassador of Sudan to Morocco, affirmed that Islam advocates equality in rights, referencing several stages in Islamic civilization during which women assumed leadership roles.

Dr. Sadia Faizunnesa, Ambassador of Bangladesh to Morocco, reviewed her country’s efforts to promote girls’ education, considering it essential for women’s economic, social, and leadership development and a driver of sustainable development.

The celebration concluded with an exchange of commemorative shields between Dr. AlMalik and Dr. Benali. Following this, ICESCO’s Director-General presented commemorative shields to Dr. AlJazairy, H.E. Mawadda Omar Haj Al-Toam, H.E. Sadia Faizunnesa, and Dr. Almamy Mbaye in recognition of their efforts to advance women’s roles in various fields.