ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has been chosen to lead a newly formed international platform dedicated to advancing women’s rights in the Muslim world.
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation Ombudsman Association (OICOA) has appointed Pakistan’s Federal Ombudsperson for Protection Against Harassment (FOSPAH), Fauzia Viqar, as the inaugural Chair of its first-ever Sub-Committee on Women’s Rights.
The initiative, proposed by Ms. Viqar during the 4th OICOA General Assembly in Iran, underscores the urgent need for coordinated global efforts to enhance women’s protection, empowerment, and equality. Her proposal gained swift endorsement from OICOA President Mehmet Akarca, Chief Ombudsman of Turkiye, who directed the formal establishment of the committee.
The newly constituted body will comprise senior representatives from Bahrain, Turkey, Benin, Senegal, Azerbaijan, Togolaise, and Burkina Faso, placing Pakistan at the helm of shaping policy and action for gender equality across OICOA member states.
FOSPAH’s leadership highlights Pakistan’s growing international influence in promoting women’s rights, with its dual focus on workplace harassment and women’s property rights serving as a model for other nations. This milestone reinforces Pakistan’s commitment to championing justice, dignity, and equality for women across the Muslim world.
