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The World Muslim Communities Council  (TWMCC) participated in an international conference, titled “Girls' Education in Muslim Communities: Challenges and Opportunities,” organised by the Muslim World League in the Pakistani capital of Islamabad, held from 10-14 January, 2025, under the patronage and in presence of the Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

TWMCC was represented at the conference by HE Dr Mohamed Bechari, TWMCC’s Secretary-General, who emphasised during his speech that education in Islam is not just a right but a religious and ethical duty.

He highlighted that Muslim women are partners in building civilisation, with Islam granting them equal status with men in seeking knowledge.

During his speech in a session titled “Women’s Education in International and Islamic Frameworks, Bechari stated, “We must revive and solidify these values in our societies by promoting inclusive education for women and girls.”

He stressed that, despite the Islamic foundations of women’s right to education, cultural and social barriers continue to hinder this right. He called for “collective efforts to correct misconceptions used to justify discrimination against women and to raise societal awareness about the importance of their education as a cornerstone of comprehensive development.”

Bechari further elaborated, saying, “Islamic institutions such as the Muslim World League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation play a pivotal role in supporting Muslim women’s issues. These institutions can lead international and regional efforts to promote girls’ education and launch initiatives tailored to the needs and challenges of Muslim communities.”

He continued, “We cannot achieve a secure future for Muslim women without a civilisational partnership built on complementarity between men and women and collaboration with international institutions to promote policies supporting equal education. 

He further noted that education is the tool that enables women to contribute actively to building a sustainable future.

Bechari emphasised that women’s education is not only an investment in individuals but also in families and society as a whole. An educated woman can raise aware generations and actively participate in the economy, politics, and culture. He added, “Women’s right to education must be at the core of national and regional policies to ensure sustainable development.”

In conclusion, he urged the conference to focus on developing visions and initiatives to restore Muslim women’s status as essential partners in building and development, in accordance with the principles of justice and equality established by Islam and aligned with global standards that safeguard their rights and enable them to reach their potential.

The conference, an initiative of the Muslim World League chaired by Dr Muhammad bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa, saw wide international participation, including representatives from UN organisations, governments, Islamic organisations, prominent religious, intellectual, and media leaders, and civil society activists from around the world.