The Gambia has called on member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to strengthen collective efforts to protect and empower women and girls affected by armed conflict across the Muslim world, with particular attention to the humanitarian crisis in Palestine.
The appeal was made on Monday by Habib Tamasa Baba Jarra, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Welfare, during an OIC forum where delegates discussed the challenges facing women in conflict-affected communities.
Addressing representatives of the 57-member organisation, Jarra expressed Gambia’s solidarity with women and girls enduring the devastating consequences of war and displacement.
“Women and girls in conflict zones continue to bear the heaviest burden of displacement, violence, and poverty,” he said. “The Gambia stands in full solidarity with our sisters in Palestine and in other OIC countries who are enduring unimaginable hardship.”
He urged OIC member states to translate commitments into practical action by expanding programmes that improve access to healthcare, education, economic opportunities, and legal protection for women living in conflict-affected areas.
“Our collective response must be guided by the principles of Islamic solidarity and human dignity,” Jarra said. “We must ensure that women who have lost so much are given the tools, resources, and opportunities to rebuild their lives and communities.”
The Permanent Secretary stressed that empowering women is essential to achieving lasting peace, stability, and sustainable development across OIC member states. He noted that women and girls often face heightened risks of violence, displacement, poverty, and limited access to essential services during conflicts.
The Gambian delegation also reaffirmed the country’s commitment to working closely with OIC partners to advance the rights and welfare of women and girls through coordinated humanitarian and development initiatives.
The call comes as several OIC member states continue to confront prolonged humanitarian crises, including the conflict in Gaza, where women and children have been disproportionately affected by ongoing hostilities.
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation is expected to consider proposals aimed at increasing humanitarian and development assistance for women in conflict zones during its next ministerial meeting.
The Gambia has consistently advocated for stronger international cooperation on humanitarian issues and continues to promote policies that support the protection, inclusion, and empowerment of women as a cornerstone of sustainable peace and development.
