A high-level conference in Cairo, “Investing in Religious and Media Discourse and its Impact on Protecting and Promoting Women’s Rights,” recently underscored the critical importance of female entrepreneurship as a driver for economic growth and social progress across member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). The event, organized by Egypt’s National Council for Women, Al-Azhar, and the Women Development Organization, brought together ministers, policymakers, and experts to share best practices and successful models for empowering women in business.
A Platform For Best Practices
A key session titled “Women and Entrepreneurship: Best Practices” served as the centerpiece for the discussion. Chaired by Her Excellency Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş, Minister of Family and Social Services of the Republic of Turkey, the panel explored actionable strategies for fostering female-led innovation.
Minister Göktaş commended Egypt’s leadership and its collaboration with the OIC and Al-Azhar in presenting pioneering models for women’s empowerment. She highlighted the role of female entrepreneurs in driving innovation and contributing significantly to national GDP.
National Strategies and Success Stories
Dr. Raafat Abbas, Advisor to the Head of Egypt’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (MSMEDA), affirmed that the nation has established clear plans for women’s development, education, and economic empowerment. He pointed to joint projects with international institutions aimed at equipping women to produce high-quality, competitive products for both local and global markets.
From Azerbaijan, Professor Tuba Khanum Gasimzadeh of the National Academy of Sciences shared that women constitute over 50% of the country’s entrepreneurs and hold a significant number of leadership positions. This success is attributed to state policies that guarantee social and economic rights, promote transparency, and ensure equal opportunities.
Eng. Aroub Al-Abbadi, media spokesperson for Jordan’s Ministry of Social Development, emphasized the power of conscious religious and media discourse in reshaping the public perception of women. By presenting positive role models, such narratives can bolster women’s economic leadership and build societal confidence in their capabilities.
Global and Historical Perspectives
In a recorded message, Dr. Sima Bahous, Executive Director of UN Women, framed women’s empowerment as a global imperative for building more just and inclusive societies. She noted that the United Nations actively provides programs to support women’s participation in development plans, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.
Dr. Amani Asfour, President of the African Alliance for Women’s Empowerment, concluded by stressing the importance of invoking positive historical figures in religious discourse. Citing Sayyida Khadijah (RA) as a premier example of a female business leader, she argued that such models reinforce the legitimacy of women’s economic activity and ensure they receive equal opportunities to achieve their goals without discrimination.
About The National Council for Women
The National Council for Women (NCW) was established in Egypt by Republican Decree No. 90 of 2000. It is an independent national body reporting to the President of the Republic, with the mandate to advance the status of women, address their issues, and foster their role in society. The NCW is responsible for proposing public policy related to women’s development and empowering them to play their economic, social, and political roles effectively.
Source: Gomhuria Online
