JEDDAH — Saudi Arabia is hosting the “International Conference on Women in Islam: Status and Empowerment” in Jeddah on Monday, under the patronage of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman.

The three-day conference, organized by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), aims to shed light on the successes of Muslim women.

It also aims to highlight their role and contribution to development, and counter the negative propaganda that portrays Islamic religion as an obstacle to women obtaining their rights.

The conference is expected to come up with a detailed plan for legal and political reforms, to promote justice and empower women in Muslim societies, and adopt a comprehensive

Five working sessions will be held during the conference, with ministers, officials, scholars and thinkers delving into the status of women and their rights in Islam, examining ways to empower Muslim women in education and work, and discussing issues related to women in contemporary societies.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal Bin Farhan Bin Abdullah, in his speech at the opening of the 49th session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) held in March in Mauritania, offered to host the “International Conference on Women in Islam: Status and Empowerment” out of the Kingdom’s keenness to improve the status of women and empower them in all areas of development, of its continuous role in support of the OIC goals.

Hosting the conference is part of the Ministry’s endeavor to uphold Muslim women’s rights and increase their role in development in OIC member states. — SPA