Simrah Ismayilova, Chief Advisor of the Monitoring and Evaluation Division at the Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communication, participated in the International Conference on Investing Religious and Media Discourse in Protecting and Promoting Women's Rights, held in Cairo.

The conference was organized under the patronage of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi by Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and Egypt’s National Council for Women. The event brought together Egypt’s Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Sheikh Ahmed Al-Tayeb, ministers and ambassadors from OIC member states, religious leaders, and other delegations. Azerbaijan was represented by a delegation led by Bahar Muradova, Chairperson of the State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs.

During the two-day event, discussions focused on women’s role in combating religious and ideological extremism, as well as in peace and security; the importance of media, culture, and the arts in shaping public awareness about women; women’s and girls’ economic rights and their contribution to GDP; and protection from cyber violence.

Within the conference framework, Azerbaijan’s experience was presented during a session titled “The Role of Media, Culture, and the Arts in Shaping Public Awareness of Women’s Positive Roles.”

It was emphasized during the session that the establishment of the first secular girls’ school in the East in Azerbaijan marked an important milestone in legitimizing women’s social roles, and that this enlightenment tradition continues today. The activities of women leaders, including First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva and Speaker of the Milli Majlis Sahiba Gafarova, create real role models for the younger generation. At the same time, women’s entrepreneurship, employment initiatives, and social projects strengthen women’s economic independence. Internationally, women’s active participation in diplomacy, humanitarian initiatives, and the Women, Peace and Security agenda contributes to strengthening Azerbaijan’s modern and inclusive image. This consistent and systematic model can be considered a practical example that can be adapted by other countries within the OIC space.