Cairo: Under the auspices of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Al-Azhar, the National Council for Women, and the Women’s Development Organization are organizing an international conference focused on leveraging religious and media discourse to protect and promote women’s rights.
According to State Information Service Egypt, the conference is titled “Releasing Religious and Media Discourse and its Impact on Protecting and Promoting Women’s Rights in the Member States of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.” It will take place on Sunday and Monday, February 1 and 2, 2026, and will be attended by the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Dr. Ahmed El-Tayeb, Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, President of the National Council for Women Counselor Amal Ammar, along with high-level representatives from the 57 member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. This gathering underscores the global focus on women’s issues and their crucial role in societal development.
The conference aims to emphasize the role of responsible religious and media discourse in correcting misconceptions, promoting respect for women’s rights, and supporting their involvement in various fields. The first day features two main sessions, with the first discussing the role of religious and media discourse in raising awareness, correcting misconceptions, and addressing the role of women in confronting extremism. The session will also explore the influence of media, culture, and arts in shaping societal awareness and the significance of education in combating extremism.
The second session on the first day will concentrate on women’s economic rights, their contribution to the national economy, and their preparation for the labor market. It will also highlight women’s roles in entrepreneurship and financial inclusion while reviewing best practices among the member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
The second day of the conference will present three sessions. The first will address mechanisms of the Al-Azhar Observatory for Combating Extremism Against Women and promoting values of dignity and respect for women. The second session will focus on protecting women and girls from violence, including harmful cultural practices and cyber violence. The third session, titled “Women, Political Empowerment, and Leadership,” will discuss women’s roles in senior positions, political participation, and equal opportunities in the public sphere, along with their contribution to peace and security.
The conference is part of broader efforts to enhance women’s status, support their rights, and build a conscious religious and media discourse contributing to sustainable development and social stability in the countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.