Yaoundé, Cameroon, August 30, 2024 – The Women Development Organization (WDO) participated in the 50th session of the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Led by the Executive Director Dr. Afnan Alshuaiby, the WDO delegation engaged in productive discussions with ministers, heads of sister organizations, and representatives from OIC member states.
Dr. Alshuaiby emphasized the need for enhanced connectivity and infrastructure development within OIC member states, highlighting the critical role of these initiatives in fostering economic growth, reducing poverty, and promoting stability. The WDO delegation emphasized the significance of empowering women to ensure the success of infrastructure initiatives by providing them with access to education, skills development, and job opportunities.
On the sidelines of the CFM, Dr. Alshuaiby met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Afghanistan Defacto Authority Mr. Mawlawi Amir Khan Mottaki, to discuss the OIC delegation's visit to Kabul. The meeting was also attended by the OIC Secretary General's Envoy for Afghanistan, Ambassador Dr. Tariq Ali Bakhit, and the Secretary General of the Islamic Fiqh Academy, Dr. Qutb Sano. The meeting focused on girls' education, women's empowerment, and their effective participation in public life. Dr. Alshuaiby stressed the importance of continuing constructive dialogue between Muslim scholars and Afghan authorities and promoting tolerance, moderation, and women's education.
Dr. Alshuaiby also met with the Minister of Women Empowerment and the Family of Cameroon, H.E. Marie-Thérèse Abena Ondoa, to discuss advancing women's empowerment and enhancing collaborative efforts between WDO and Cameroon. She highlighted WDO's ongoing initiatives and explored opportunities for Cameroon's continued leadership in promoting gender equality and supporting WDO.
WDO's participation in the 50th session of the Council of Foreign Ministers demonstrated its commitment to promoting women's empowerment and driving sustainable development for women and girls within the OIC member states.
