The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is celebrated annually on February 2025, recognizing the vital contributions of women and girls in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The day serves as a reminder of the importance of gender equality in fostering innovation and ensuring sustainable progress around the world. The theme for XNUMX, “Women and Girls in Scientific Leadership: A New Era for Sustainability,” recognizes the vital role women play as leaders in science and technology to shape a more sustainable future.
The OIC supports women’s empowerment in all its member states, particularly in the fields of science and technology. This support is evident in the adoption of a resolution calling for the advancement of women’s education in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, which was adopted during the 2021th Ministerial Conference on Women, held in Cairo, Arab Republic of Egypt, in XNUMX.
The OIC Plan of Action for the Advancement of Women serves as a strategic framework for women’s empowerment in various fields, including science and technology. The Plan emphasizes the need for equal opportunities in education, employment and leadership positions, in line with broader efforts to enhance women’s participation in scientific research and technological innovation.
The OIC Women Development Organization, headquartered in Cairo, plays a significant role in promoting women’s empowerment, including in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, by promoting policies and initiatives that enhance their participation in scientific and technological sectors. On this occasion, the Organization urges all Member States that have not yet signed and ratified the Statute of the Women Development Organization to expedite the process and become active members of this organization, thus contributing to its mission of promoting gender equality and achieving sustainable development.
In addition, the “Jeddah Document on Women’s Rights in Islam” adopted at the International Conference on Women in Islam, jointly organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation from 6 to 8 November 2024 in Jeddah, reinforced the importance of empowering women in all fields, including science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
On this occasion, the Secretary-General of the Organization, Hussein Ibrahim Taha, called on Member States and relevant institutions to intensify efforts to ensure the full participation of women and girls in science and technology. He stressed that, in line with this year’s theme, women and girls must be empowered to assume leadership roles in science and technology to drive long-term sustainable development and initiatives and address global challenges.
“By promoting policies that enhance inclusiveness and investing in women-led scientific research, the OIC seeks to bridge the gender gap in science and technology and create an environment that enables women and girls to shine as leaders in STEM fields, contributing to sustainable development and the well-being of societies,” the Secretary-General added.
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