Int’l Moot Urges Unity to Empower Girls Through Education

The conference stresses the importance of fighting extremist ideologies

Sun Jan 12 2025
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ISLAMABAD: The international conference on girls’ education has urged Islamic governments, private institutions and international organsations to prioritise girls’ education in national agendas.

The two-day conference concluded with Islamabad Declaration on Sunday stressing the importance of fighting extremist ideologies and cultural norms that hinder educational opportunities for women.

The event was co-hosted by Pakistan and the Muslim World League (MWL) under the patronage of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad.

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—Photo by SPA

“Denying girls their right to education is a grave misuse of religious principles,” the declaration said, calling for the dissemination of religious decrees and resolutions from Islamic councils that affirm women’s right to knowledge.

Education, a divine right

It highlighted that girls’ education is not only a religious duty but also a critical societal need. It is a fundamental right protected by divine laws, mandated by Islamic teachings, supported by international agreements, and firmly established in national constitutions.

Drawing from the core principles of Islamic education to guide the educational process in harmony with cultural and religious identity, while incorporating national and global insights and knowledge that have advanced education and learning.”

“Uniting efforts to safeguard girls’ right to education and ensure their empowerment, acknowledging that educated women play a pivotal role in fostering stable families and communities. This, in turn, promotes global peace, national harmony, and fortifies societies against challenges such as extremism, violence, crime, and atheism.”

It further stressed the need to caution against extremist ideologies, religious decrees, and opinions shaped by cultural norms that hinder girls’ education, pointing out that these are unfortunate continuations of societal biases against women. Such actions, it stated, represent a serious misuse of religious principles to justify policies of deprivation and exclusion.

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—Photo by SPA

“Mobilising all resources to support the efforts of Islamic countries in advancing education through improved methods and content, with a particular emphasis on girls’ education, ensuring it is placed at the forefront of their national priorities. This initiative aims to ensure equal access to education for all girls and fulfill international commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals.”

It emphasised providing free scholarships to offer educational opportunities for girls affected by poverty, conflicts, and social challenges.

Religious decrees sought on women’s education

It asked for considering issuing religious decrees by scholarly bodies affirming women’s legitimate right to acquire knowledge across diverse fields and educational levels.

Promoting the enhancement of digital educational content by urging educational institutions and international organisations to create digital resources that improve girls’ access to education.”

The declaration called on both government and private media institutions across the Islamic world to launch awareness campaigns and educational programs that emphasise the importance of girls’ education. These initiatives should be coordinated with educational and media experts, as well as religious scholars, imams, and guides, to effectively counter opposition by explaining the true principles of Islam.

Promotion of scientific research  

It also encouraged the promotion of scientific research and studies on girls’ education within Islamic communities, aiming to identify the most effective strategies for its advancement and address the challenges hindering its development.

The declaration stated that anyone who rejects or opposes these well-established Islamic principles, as agreed upon by the consensus of this gathering and referenced in the preamble of this Declaration, is considered outside the scope of the Islamic Ummah’s values and cannot be regarded as part of it. It is crucial to distance oneself from their ideology, whether they are individuals, institutions, or entities—public or private.

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According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, the summit was attended by more than 150 dignitaries from 44 Muslim and allied nations. It also saw the participation of Hissein Brahim Taha, Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Dr. Mohammed Al-Issa, Secretary-General of the MWL and Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai.

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