SESRIC launched its flagship publication, the OIC Women and Development Report 2026: Pathways to Socio-Economic and Political Empowerment, during the 9^th Session of the OIC Ministerial Conference on Women, held on 12-13 July 2026 in Islamabad, Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Prepared as the main technical background document for the Conference, the report provides a comprehensive assessment of the status of women across OIC Member Countries, covering six key dimensions: demographic and family dynamics, health and well-being, education, economic empowerment, political participation and decision-making, and peace and security. The report also presents evidence-based policy recommendations to support women's empowerment and inclusive, sustainable development across the OIC region.

The report notes that women constitute approximately 1.05 billion people in OIC countries in 2025, representing nearly half of the total OIC population. It highlights evolving demographic and family patterns, including rising ages at first marriage and first birth, while emphasizing the importance of strengthening women's resilience, expanding opportunities, and addressing socio-economic vulnerabilities across different family and social contexts.

The findings also point to significant progress in health, education, and economic participation. Female life expectancy increased from 63.9 years in 2000 to 71.2 years in 2025, while youth literacy among women reached 81.9%. Women also accounted for 39.2% of researchers in OIC countries, exceeding the global average. In the economic sphere, women's labour force participation reached 41.3% in 2025, and financial inclusion improved markedly, with account ownership increasing from 47% in 2011 to 77% in 2024. Nevertheless, the report stresses the need for continued efforts to improve access to quality employment, entrepreneurship, digital opportunities, and maternal healthcare.

OIC countries have also made notable progress in women’s education, particularly among younger generations. Youth literacy among women reached 81.9% in OIC countries, while women accounted for 39.2% of all researchers in the OIC region, a share above the global average. Further progress in upper secondary education and digital access will be essential to improve women’s educational outcomes and support their role in knowledge, science and innovation.

The report highlights steady progress in women’s economic empowerment across OIC countries, with women’s labour force participation at 41.3% and their employment rate at 39.0% in 2025. It also notes strong gains in financial inclusion, as account ownership among women rose from 47% in 2011 to 77% in 2024. Although important gaps in labour market outcomes remain, continued efforts to promote quality employment, entrepreneurship, equal economic opportunities, and a more balanced distribution of unpaid care responsibilities will further enhance women’s contribution to sustainable economic development.

The report further highlights gradual progress in women's leadership, with women holding 26.4% of managerial positions across OIC Member Countries. It also underscores the importance of strengthening women's participation in decision-making while reinforcing legal and institutional frameworks, social protection systems, and peacebuilding efforts to better protect women affected by conflict, displacement, and other vulnerabilities.

Overall, the OIC Women and Development Report 2026 serves as a strategic resource for policymakers and development partners by identifying emerging trends, documenting progress, and offering practical policy recommendations to support the implementation of the OIC Plan of Action for the Advancement of Women (OPAAW) and advance women's socio-economic and political empowerment throughout the OIC region.

Online Electronic Version

• OIC Women and Development Report 2026 (English) ( Arabic ) (French)