Burkina Faso’s participation in the international conference on women and Islam in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Burkina Faso is represented at the International Conference on Women and Islam in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, by H.E. Mrs Olivia ROUAMBA, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Cooperation and Burkinabe Abroad.
On her arrival on 6 November 2023, she was welcomed by Mr Mazin Hamad Alhimali, Director General of the Mecca Region Branch of the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and by the staff of the Consulate General of Burkina Faso in Jeddah, led by the Consul General, Mr Saïdou OUEDRAOGO.
The international conference brings together foreign affairs ministers, women’s affairs ministers, international organisations working to promote women’s rights and senior Muslim religious leaders.
The meeting focuses on the situation and empowerment of Muslim women, in response to the frequent problems of misinterpretation of Islamic law and harmful practices.
At the opening ceremony, all the participants stressed the importance of overcoming obstacles and increasing the participation of Muslim women in development.
They called for an end to practices that impede the rights of Muslim women due to misinterpretations of Islam.
The conference, initiated in close collaboration between the Saudi authorities and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, drew the attention of the international community to the situation of women in Palestine, Afghanistan and other countries in crisis, where women are often the first victims of violence.
In addition to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, other representatives of Burkina Faso, such as the Minister for Women and Humanitarian Action, Nandy SOME/DIALLO, and the Mediator of Faso, Fatimata SANOU/TOURE, are taking part in this international conference on Women and Islam.
During her stay, H.E. Olivia ROUAMBA also plans to meet leading figures from international institutions with a view to strengthening cooperation between these institutions and Burkina Faso.
Cedric KABORE
