The Power of Women’s Education: Building Resilience and Progress in Pakistan

Malala Yousafzai’s presence in International Conference on Girls’ Education in Muslim Communities

“Education is not just a right; it is the most powerful tool to combat oppression and build a brighter future.” – Malala Yousafzai

For over three decades, Pakistan has endured the devastating grip of terrorism, leaving scars on society and stalling progress in countless areas. Among its most tragic impacts has been the systematic destruction of girls’ educational institutions, particularly in the northern regions like Swat Valley. Schools were reduced to rubble, and an entire generation of young women was denied their fundamental right to learn and thrive.

Despite these harrowing circumstances, Pakistan continues its slow journey toward recovery, striving to rebuild what was lost. In the midst of this chaos, the indomitable courage of figures like Malala Yousafzai has emerged as a beacon of hope. Her resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity has not only reignited the global conversation about girls’                 education but has also inspired a movement aimed at breaking the chains of oppression and ensuring every girl’s right to education.

The Impact of Militancy on Girls’ Education

In the Swat Valley and other conflict-ridden areas of Pakistan, extremists systematically destroyed schools for girls, aiming to suppress education. Among those affected was Malala Yousafzai, who became a global symbol of resilience after surviving a brutal attack by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in 2012. Her unwavering determination to pursue education and advocate for others led her to become the youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Malala’s journey highlights the power of education as a catalyst for personal and societal transformation, even in the face of immense adversity.

Breaking Down the Barriers to Education in Pakistan

The challenges to girls’ education in Pakistan are not just a result of terrorism but also deeply embedded in societal and cultural norms. The notion that, when men are the primary earners, girls do not need education has been a major barrier for years. This mindset overlooks the transformative power of education, which opens the locked doors of the mind and enables individuals, particularly women, to understand their rights, differentiate between right and wrong, and become self-reliant. Education is not just about acquiring knowledge, but about empowerment. It offers women the promise of safety, independence, and a future where they are not dependent on anyone. It equips them with the tools to carve out their own path and earn a living, if necessary, through their own qualifications and skills.

In 2025, as inflation rates skyrocket and the middle class struggles to survive, the need for women to be financially independent has never been more pressing. Without education, women remain vulnerable, always looking to someone else for support. This dependency not only limits their potential but also restricts their role in contributing to society and the economy. The lack of education traps them in a cycle of poverty, making it even harder for them to break free.

For Pakistan to truly progress, it must dismantle these societal barriers that deny girls the opportunity to learn and grow. The education of women is not just a moral imperative; it is a necessity for the economic stability and future prosperity of the entire nation. Investing in girls’ education will unlock a world of possibilities, empowering women to make meaningful contributions to their families, communities, and the nation as a whole.

International Conference on Girls’ Education in Muslim Communities

On January 10, 2025, Islamabad became the center of global attention as Pakistan hosted the International Conference on Girls’ Education. With over 150 dignitaries from 44 countries and leading organizations like UNESCO, UNICEF, and the World Bank, the conference aimed to advance educational opportunities for Muslim girls worldwide.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha called for collective action, emphasizing the role of education in fostering peace and stability.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s Call for Collective Action!

International Conference on Girls’ Education in Muslim Communities

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the need for collective efforts to overcome the cultural and social barriers hindering women’s access to education. Speaking at the conference, he urged global organizations, philanthropists, and entrepreneurs to unite in creating sustainable opportunities for women’s education. He highlighted the significant poten

tial that millions of young girls have to lift themselves, their families, and the nation out of poverty.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said, ensuring women’s education is crucial not only for personal empowerment but also for economic prosperity and societal progress.

He stated,

“We should assure the women that their rights would be respected, their ambitions would be met, and that no cultural or social impediment would stand in the way of their dreams.”

Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa: Bridging Faith and Action

Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, Secretary-General of the Muslim World League (MWL), emphasized that girls’ education is a fundamental right upheld by Islamic teachings. He condemned the distortion of religious texts to justify barriers to education, stressing the importance of empowering women through knowledge.

                     Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa’s speech in  International Conference on Girls’ Education in Muslim Communities

“This initiative represents a qualitative transformation, ensuring tangible outcomes that will uplift every deprived girl and foster equal contributions from all members of society,” he remarked.

Sheikh Dr. Nazir Muhammad Ayad’s Call for Education as a Universal Right

           Sheikh Dr. Nazir Muhammad Ayad

Sheikh Dr. Nazir Muhammad Ayad, Mufti of the Arab Republic of Egypt, emphasized the Quranic and prophetic teachings that make education a universal right.

He said, “Educating women is not a privilege; it is an obligation deepl

y rooted in Islamic jurisprudence and essential for the advancement of society.”

His powerful statement underscored the religious duty to ensure that women have access to education, stressing that empowering woman through knowledge is vital for the betterment of society as a whole.

Professor Hina Tayyaba Khalil’s Advocacy for Women’s Education

      Professor Hina Tayyaba Khalil

Professor Hina Tayyaba Khalil, vice-chancellor of Pakistan Institute of Fashion and Design, Lahore, highlighted the significant economic and social benefits that arise from empowering women through education. Drawing on examples from Pakistan, she emphasized that investing in girls’ education leads to long-term positive impacts on families and communities.

She stated, “International and Islamic charters together create a robust framework for advocating women’s education as a fundamental right and a social necessity.” Her remarks illustrated the critical role education plays in breaking the cycle of poverty and promoting sustainable development.

A Path Forward

The Islamabad Conference marked a historic milestone in the global fight for girls’ education, uniting leaders, activists, and organizations under a shared vision. The “Islamabad Declaration” and the launch of the International Partnerships Platform signify a renewed commitment to addressing the barriers to education and empowering the next generation of women.

By promoting international collaboration and amplifying voices like Malala Yousafzai’s, the initiative underscores that education is not just a policy issue but a moral imperative.

-Written By:  Noor Fatima Seyal