Muslim Council of Elders Calls for Empowering Women in Science As Fundamental to Building a Fairer and More Sustainable Future
The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al‑Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al‑Azhar, affirms that empowering women and girls in the fields of science, research, and innovation is both a moral imperative and a humanitarian necessity for cultivating societies that are more just, resilient, and sustainable. The Council emphasized that strengthening women’s participation in scientific disciplines is a genuine investment in the future of humanity.
In a statement issued on the International Day of Women and Girls in Science—observed annually on 11 February—the Council highlighted that women’s contributions to science throughout history have been foundational to the advancement of human civilization. It underscored the importance of ensuring that girls have access to high‑quality and equitable education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), enabling them to help address the pressing global challenges of our time, from climate change to public health, food security, and digital transformation.
His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al‑Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al‑Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, reaffirmed that “women are the sisters of men,” noting that Islam liberated women from outdated pre‑Islamic customs and honored them as mothers, sisters, daughters, and wives. He emphasized the need to ensure that women and girls obtain their full rights and to support and develop their capabilities, recognizing them as indispensable partners in the journey of development and nation‑building.
The Muslim Council of Elders calls for the removal of the social, cultural, and economic barriers that hinder women’s full participation in scientific fields. It stressed the need to adopt policies and initiatives that guarantee a fair, safe, and empowering scientific environment—one that nurtures creativity, excellence, and equal opportunity.
The Council reiterated its strong commitment to advancing women’s empowerment and enhancing their roles across all sectors and that promoting justice, equality, and equal opportunity is essential to achieving social harmony and sustainable development. Likewise, integrating women into the pursuit of scientific progress is key to shaping a future founded on cooperation, complementarity, and shared responsibility among all members of society.