I would like to take the opportunity to celebrate International Women’s Day on behalf of the D-8 Secretariat and take stock of the progress made in reaching gender balance and women’s socioeconomic empowerment in D-8 Member States.

Women traditionally, have always been integral and valuable part of D-8 countries. They have been the caregivers of the family, supporters of the household and the bearers of our long and uninterrupted line of cultural legacy. Today, in the face of rapidly changing economic and social dynamics, we observe an even stronger presence of women in our societies. We acknowledge this through their increased political representation, improved educational attainment and enhanced participation in the labor force. We are proud of the ever-increasing number of women entrepreneurs, STEM researchers, academicians and the great value they add to our countries. We know that women’s empowerment does not only lead way to increased self-worth and economic self-reliance but acts as a much bigger force that fosters a leap forward for our economies.

So much has been done in D-8 Member States and on a global scale, yet challenges lay ahead. I hope this year we will reap the benefits of our endeavors to strengthen our women and in return our Member States.

In this regard, please find below the commendable “OIC Women and Development Report 2018” by SESRIC.

Please click on this link: OIC Women and Development Report 2018