The 35th Cairo Islamic Conference Underscores the Necessity for Consistent Events to Promote Women's Empowerment Worldwide
By New Age Islam Staff Writer
28 August 2024
The Cairo Islamic Conference Underscored The Significance Of Women In Fostering A More Inclusive Society, Urging For Regular Global Conferences To Focus On Women's Empowerment, Sharing Best Practices, And Innovative Approaches To Raise Awareness, Drive Change, And Inspire Individuals To Break Barriers.
Main Points:
1. The Cairo Islamic Conference highlighted the importance of women in cultural and religious enlightenment, underscoring the need for inclusivity and gender equality.
2. The conference served as a beacon of hope for societies striving to break free from outdated gender norms.
3. It aimed to spark collaborations and initiatives that drive meaningful change and inspire individuals to contribute towards a more inclusive and equitable society.
4. The Need for regular global events like the Cairo Islamic Conference on women's empowerment to create a widespread impact.…
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The 35th Cairo Islamic Conference/ Photo: Egypt Today
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The Cairo Islamic Conference, which was elegantly set in a captivating environment, served as a significant platform to underscore the pivotal importance of women in cultivating and enriching cultural and religious acumen across society. By highlighting the invaluable roles that women play in nurturing a deeper understanding and appreciation of cultural and religious traditions, this momentous event stands as a powerful testament to the enduring impact of female empowerment. Emphasizing the need for inclusivity and gender equality, the conference signals a clear message to those who advocate for the marginalization and restriction of women's educational and societal advancement. Its profound insights and inspirational initiatives transcend boundaries, setting a new standard for embracing diversity and empowering women worldwide. This gathering serves as a beacon of hope and progress for societies striving to break free from outdated gender norms and embrace a future where women are valued as equal partners in shaping cultural and religious landscapes.
The 35th International Conference of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, a prestigious gathering renowned for its discussions on critical issues facing the Muslim world, commenced in the vibrant city of Cairo amidst great anticipation. The event unfolded over the course of two immersive days filled with enriching dialogues and invigorating exchanges of ideas under the gracious patronage of the esteemed Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. With a distinguished roster boasting the representation of approximately 60 nations and over 100 eminent figures, including ministers, muftis, and delegates from various Islamic organizations worldwide, the conference served as a nexus for global collaboration and mutual understanding.
Highlighting the pivotal theme of the conference, participants united in emphasizing the pivotal role of women in nurturing cultural and religious enlightenment, underscoring the significance of their empowered status in fostering values of coexistence and tolerance. Through enlightening discussions, the attendees articulated a shared vision of empowerment and recognition for women within the fabric of Islamic societies, championing their contributions to the advancement of knowledge, morality, and social harmony. The resounding call for gender equality and equity resonated across the halls, echoing a collective commitment to fostering inclusive environments where women stand as pillars of strength and exemplars of progress.
Against the backdrop of Cairo's picturesque skyline, the 35th International Conference emerged as a beacon of hope and inspiration, spurring renewed efforts to bridge divides, promote unity, and celebrate diversity across the Islamic world and beyond. As the echoes of dialogues faded and the echoes of unity reverberated, the legacy of this landmark gathering persisted, igniting a transformative journey towards a future defined by mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation among nations and individuals sharing a common faith and purpose.
Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr Abdullatif Al-Sheikh emphasized the intrinsic value that Islam places on women during his address at the inaugural session of the enlightening two-day conference themed 'Women and Building Awareness'. He fervently stated that within the teachings of Islam lies a profound appreciation for women, unparalleled in the annals of history. Asserting that the rights and responsibilities of women are clearly delineated in the divine scriptures of the Holy Quran and the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Dr. Al-Sheikh underscored Islam's unwavering commitment to safeguarding the dignity of women. According to him, Islam decrees that women be revered as nurturing mothers and cherished as caring sisters and daughters, their roles as devoted wives and essential partners in family-building being paramount.
Dr. Al-Sheikh went on to elucidate that a meticulous examination of Islamic texts reveals a compassionate and equitable approach towards the treatment of women, emphasizing the imperative of their protection against any form of cruelty or injustice. He sternly cautioned against the imposition of personal or societal norms that perpetuate oppression or unfairness towards women, emphasizing that such practices run counter to the essence of Islamic teachings in which the protection and dignity of women are foundational principles.
Al-Sheikh expressed his deep sense of pride in the remarkable progress and achievements of the Saudi experience in empowering women across various sectors. He highlighted Saudi Arabia's unwavering commitment, led by the esteemed Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and further propelled by the steadfast support and guidance of the Crown Prince and Chairman of the Council of Ministers, Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The commitment to upholding the rights of women has been evident in the nation's efforts to ensure equal access to education, healthcare, financial resources, job opportunities, and leadership roles. Al-Sheikh underlined the significant strides made by women in the competitive field of construction, exemplifying the nation's dedication to gender equality and women's empowerment.
Moreover, he elaborated on the multitude of outstanding achievements by Saudi women, spanning diverse fields including government, science, medicine, space exploration, human rights advocacy, diplomatic roles as ambassadors in international arenas, active engagement at the Shura Council, and impactful contributions to the economic landscape. The exemplary roles taken on by Saudi women serve as a testament to the nation's vision for inclusivity and progress, showcasing the enormous potential and capabilities of women in shaping a brighter future for Saudi Arabia.
In recounting these numerous accomplishments, Al-Sheikh underscored the pivotal role of women in driving innovation, fostering sustainable development, and playing an integral part in the country's journey towards comprehensive societal and economic transformation. The Saudi experience stands as a testament to the transformative power of empowering women and unlocking their full potential, ushering in a new era of prosperity and equality under the visionary leadership of King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
In his eloquent and thought-provoking speech, Omar Al Darei, the Chairman of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Zakat in the Emirates, delved deeply into the crucial role that women play as he poetically described them as "the impregnable dam against sweeping currents." With profound insight, Al Darei emphasized the pivotal nature of activating women's essential roles, envisioning them as transformative agents evolving into bridges of thought transcending historical boundaries. In his passionate address, he painted a vivid picture of women as stalwart guardians of moderation, tolerance, and education, carrying the torch of national identity proudly to shape future generations.
Al Darei shed light on a poignant reality by elucidating that extremist groups target women not out of perceived weakness, but in acknowledgment of their unwavering resilience and intrinsic strength of character. With an unwavering commitment to raising awareness, he passionately called for the acknowledgment of trailblazing female scholars across diverse fields, whose enduring legacies stand as shining beacons of inspiration for contemporary society.
Underscoring the urgent need to champion women's rights, Al Darei boldly encouraged the challenging of archaic customs and traditions that erode women's intrinsic value and potential, aiming to eliminate barriers obstructing their progress. Furthermore, he courageously confronted the growing influence of digital platforms disseminating inappropriate intellectual and religious content, posing serious threats to familial and societal values. Al Darei's clarion call for vigilance against the various dangers hovering over women's well-being resonated deeply, affirming the shared responsibility of society to protect and empower women across all facets of life.
In his passionate address, the Palestinian Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs, Dr. Muhammad Najm, eloquently underscored the pivotal role of Palestinian women in fostering religious enlightenment within their communities. He highlighted their exceptional ability to instil a deep sense of patriotism in their children, ensuring that love for their homeland remains unwavering even in the face of profound loss. Dr. Najm emphasized that Palestinian women serve as a remarkable source of inspiration, epitomizing resilience and unwavering commitment. Emphasizing their significance as exemplary figures in the Islamic world, Dr. Najm emphasized the imperative of empowering female scholars and equipping them with the necessary expertise in issuing religious edicts, particularly for those tasked with guiding congregations or delivering sermons. Referencing the teachings of the Prophet (PBUH), he stressed the need to actively engage women in all spheres of knowledge and leadership, as they play a crucial role i
upholding the principles of Sharia and fostering a sense of national pride as an integral part of their faith. Furthermore, Dr. Najm shed light on the indispensable contribution of women towards local security and the promotion of peace, both within their homelands and across the broader Islamic community, thereby underscoring their indispensable role in creating a harmonious society grounded in the precepts of justice and compassion.
The conference attendees, comprising a diverse array of individuals passionate about fostering positive change, engaged in profound and intellectually stimulating dialogues centred around elucidating the myriad avenues through which women can make substantial contributions to advancing tolerance, empathy, and inclusivity, all the while honouring and cherishing the fundamental principles and convictions intertwined with their cultural and spiritual heritage. This event served as a beacon of enlightenment for those harbour misconceptions about the Hijab, showcasing how women who don this attire can not only enhance their competencies but also break through societal barriers, demonstrating that the Hijab should be viewed as a symbol of empowerment rather than an obstacle to progress. Furthermore, by transcending stereotypes and misconceptions, these discussions illuminated how individuals can harness the strength of their identities to promote unity and understanding, paving the way for a more harmonious and inclusive society.
Overall, the Cairo Islamic Conference succeeded in elevating the discourse surrounding the pivotal role of women in promoting a more inclusive and enlightened society, paving the way for continued dialogue and action in this important area of social development.
Such a conference, focused on the crucial theme of women's empowerment and showcasing their advancements across various sectors, ought to be organized on a regular basis across the globe to create a widespread impact and encourage continued progress. These events serve as a pivotal platform for sharing best practices, insights, and innovative approaches that can positively influence societal norms and attitudes towards gender equality. By convening stakeholders, leaders, and advocates from diverse backgrounds and regions, such conferences not only raise awareness about the importance of female empowerment but also spark collaborations and initiatives that drive meaningful change. It is through these dedicated initiatives and ongoing dialogues that the momentum for gender equality and women's progress gains strength and resonates across all corners of the world, inspiring and empowering individuals to break barriers and contribute towards a more inclusive and equitable society.
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