The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) joined the International Community in observing the International Day of Women, which fell on March 08. In a message on the occasion, OIC Secretary General Prof. Ihsanoglu said, "It is indeed important for the international community to take cognizance of the chosen theme for this year, "A promise is a promise: Time for action to end violence against women". "It seeks to strengthen and make good on the international community's commitment to put an end to violence against women. The theme is also in consonance with the aspirations of the Islamic Ummah (Nation) towards promoting the social welfare and well-being of women in OIC Member States. "Women comprise half the population in OIC Member States and the cause of seeking their advancement and participation in the political, economic, social and cultural spheres constitutes an imperative. Muslim women and indeed women of the world are faced with a host of daunting challenges and issues that continue to impede their overall development. Our efforts must remain focused at removing discrimination against women and addressing such impediments. "Upon the assumption of office as Secretary General in 2005, I took the initiative of holding the first ever OIC Ministerial Meeting on Women in Istanbul. This meeting sent a strong message both within and outside the OIC, of our seriousness to address the issues and challenges faced by Muslim women. In the following meeting, held in Cairo in 2008, a landmark document known as OIC Plan of Action for Advancement of Women or OPAAW was adopted to provide the long awaited road map for the advancement of women and to ensure their participation in development and decision making. The same Meeting also decided on the establishment of Women Development Organization in Cairo with a view to institutionalizing the implementation of OPAAW. "The OIC, with the support of the international community and within the framework of OPAAW, is ready to act in areas like violence against women and improving girl's education, as well as to promoting women's effective participation in addressing the socio-economic development challenges of our world."
