ICYF, IsDB, and the University of Birmingham co-organized a side event titled: ‘Empowering Conflict-Affected Women and Girls: Integrating Economic Empowerment and Capacity Building for Sustainable and Inclusive Peace,’ held on the sidelines of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68) on Monday, March 18, 2024, in New York, NY, at Conference Room CR-D of the General Assembly building. The event shed light on the role of women and girls in peacebuilding, especially in conflict zones and displacement contexts.

The event, held from 10:00 am to 11:15 am, emphasized the indispensable role of women in peacebuilding, resonating with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325. Distinguished speakers from diverse backgrounds and organizations shed light on the challenges faced by conflict-affected women and girls, while offering strategies to overcome these obstacles and enhance their socio-economic empowerment. Mr. Rasul Omarov, the Director-General of ICYF, shared ICYF’s initiatives and programs in peace-building and capacity building for youth afflicted by war. Dr. Sandra Pertek, Project Leader at the University of Birmingham, shared insights from her work on the “Protection of Forcibly Displaced Women and Girls in the Muslim World,” while Mrs. Pär Liljert, Director at the International Organization for Migration (IOM), provided perspectives from the field. Mr. Mohammad Naciri, Executive Director of UN Women, NY, and Ms. Alva Bruun from the European External Action Service, European Union, contributed their expertise and running projects to the discussions. Dr. Fadila Grine, Senior Advisor to the ICYF President, also shared her insights during the event.

The panel highlighted the multifaceted contributions of women and girls in peacebuilding, explored distinct challenges faced by conflict-affected women and girls, and showcased best practices and initiatives empowering women and girls in conflict settings. The event, organized by the Islamic Development Bank in collaboration with the University of Birmingham and the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum, aimed to raise awareness, promote active involvement of women and girls in peace processes, and provide actionable recommendations for policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders.