On 22 December 2025, the First Meeting of the OICOA Sub-Committee brought together Ombudsman institutions; Pakistan, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Benin, Burkina Faso, Senegal, Togo, and Türkiye, alongside the Women Development Organization of OIC and provincial Ombudsmen of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Welcoming the delegates, Federal Ombudsperson Ms. Fauzia Viqar emphasized that collective wisdom is the foundation of advancing women’s rights. The meeting became a vibrant forum of shared reforms, candid reflections, and a bold plan of action aligned with the OIC vision.

From repealing restrictions on women’s employment to ensuring representation in parliaments and encouraging political participation, member states showcased inspiring progress. Yet, they also acknowledged the challenges of weak reporting cultures and low representation in leadership.

The Sub-Committee concluded with a forward-looking agenda, capacity building, collaboration, and a renewed promise of courage, fairness, and opportunity for women across the Muslim world.