H.E. Counselor Sarah Ismail AlShoura, Executive Director of the Women Development Organization (WDO), visited H.E. Counselor Amal Ammar, President of the National Council for Women (NCW) of the Arab Republic of Egypt and Chairperson of the Ministerial Council and Executive Bureau of the Women Development Organization, at the Council’s headquarters in Cairo.

H.E. Counselor Amal Ammar congratulated H.E. Counselor Sarah AlShoura on her appointment as Executive Director of the Women Development Organization and reaffirmed the National Council for Women’s full support for the Organization in achieving its objectives. For her part, H.E. Counselor Sarah AlShoura emphasized the Organization’s firm commitment to working closely with Egypt and all Member States to advance the status of women across the Islamic world in the social, economic, and political spheres.

The meeting provided an opportunity to exchange views on ways to strengthen cooperation and coordination between the two sides and to review areas of joint work and programmes in the field of women’s empowerment, including the exchange of expertise and best practices, as well as support for initiatives and programmes that promote women’s participation and role across various areas of development.

H.E. Counselor Sarah AlShoura also underscored the importance of maintaining dialogue and further strengthening the institutional partnership between the Women Development Organization and the National Council for Women in support of joint efforts aimed at advancing the status of women and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals across the Member States of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the respective teams of the Organization and the Council were tasked with intensifying coordination and communication with a view to developing joint programmes of work.

H.E. Counselor Sarah Ismail AlShoura, Executive Director of the Women Development Organization (WDO), met with H.E. Dr. Badr Abdelatty, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates of the Arab Republic of Egypt, to discuss prospects for enhanced cooperation and strengthening the institutional partnership in support of the Organization’s efforts to advance women’s issues and sustainable development across OIC Member States.

During the meeting, H.E. Counselor AlShoura expressed her deep appreciation for the pivotal role played by the Arab Republic of Egypt in supporting the Women Development Organization, and for its continued support, which has contributed significantly to enabling the Organization to fulfill its mandate and achieve its objectives.

For his part, H.E. the Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to providing continued support to the Organization and expressed his aspiration to work closely with WDO to promote successful and pioneering experiences in advancing the status of women and safeguarding their rights, as well as to facilitate the exchange of expertise and best practices among OIC Member States.

The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming the importance of continued dialogue, coordination, and exchange of expertise to strengthen effective partnerships and support efforts aimed at advancing women’s empowerment and sustainable development throughout the OIC region.

H.E. Counselor Sarah Ismail Al Shoura, Executive Director of the Women Development Organization (WDO), accompanied by H.E. Ambassador Sherif Issa, Deputy Executive Director, visited the UN Women Regional Office for the Arab States and met with Dr. Moez Doraid, Regional Director of the Office.

The two sides discussed ways to strengthen cooperation and coordination on issues of common interest related to women’s empowerment and advancement at both the global level and across OIC Member States. They also reviewed a number of ongoing initiatives and programmes aimed at supporting women’s empowerment and enhancing their participation across various areas of development.

Both sides underscored the importance of maintaining institutional dialogue and building strategic partnerships that support shared priorities, advance efforts to empower women, and contribute to inclusive and sustainable development.

H.E. Counsellor Sarah AlShoura, Executive Director of the Women Development Organization (WDO), participated in the “Africa Day” celebration organized by the National Council for Women (NCW), headed by H.E. Counsellor Amal Ammar, with the gracious presence of Mrs. Naglaa Abdel Salam, spouse of H.E. the Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Egyptian Expatriates, and H.E. Ambassador Alaa Youssef, Chairman of the State Information Service (SIS), alongside several distinguished ambassadors, diplomats, and public figures. 

Participants reaffirmed the importance of strengthening cooperation and joint action to advance women’s empowerment and improve the lives of women across the OIC Member States and the African continent, in support of more inclusive and sustainable development.

WDO seizes this opportunity to celebrate Africa Day, marking the 64^th anniversary of the establishment of the Organization of African Unity, and to reaffirm the importance of regional solidarity and cooperation in building a more prosperous and sustainable future for the peoples of Africa. 

The Women Development Organization (WDO) is pleased to announce that Her Excellency Counsellor Sarah Ismail AlShoura has assumed her duties as Executive Director, effective 17 May 2026.

In her capacity as Executive Director, Her Excellency will lead WDO in advancing its mandate, strengthening strategic partnerships, and driving forward its efforts to empower women across the Member States of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

The organization looks forward to benefiting from her leadership and vision in further advancing its mission and reinforcing its strategic priorities.

The Women Development Organization (WDO) is pleased to announce that H.E. Ambassador Sherif Issa has assumed his duties as Deputy Executive Director, effective 26 April 2026.

In the framework of his functions, His Excellency will support the Executive Director in advancing the organization’s mandate, strengthening institutional partnerships, and furthering its efforts to empower women across the Member States of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

WDO looks forward to benefiting from his expertise and leadership in advancing its mission and reinforcing its strategic priorities.

05-12-2024 -  The Women Development Organization (WDO) expresses its deep concern over reports of a decree banning women in Afghanistan from pursuing nursing and midwifery education. This decision severely undermines Afghan women’s right to education and professional development, particularly in critical healthcare fields.

Cairo, Egypt 24th October 2024 – The Women Development Organization (WDO) held a virtual symposium today, unveiling two policy papers that focus on women's economic empowerment, financial inclusion, and their vital role in building peaceful and inclusive societies.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – September 17, 2024

The Women Development Organization (WDO) convened a high-level meeting at the Embassy of the Republic of Djibouti in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Tuesday, September 17, 2024. Organized in collaboration with His Excellency, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in Riyadh, Ambassador Diaa-Eddine Bamakhrama, Ambassador of the Republic of Djibouti, the event brought together more than 50 ambassadors and representatives from member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Yaoundé, Cameroon, August 30, 2024 – The Women Development Organization (WDO) participated in the 50th session of the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Led by the Executive Director Dr. Afnan Alshuaiby, the WDO delegation engaged in productive discussions with ministers, heads of sister organizations, and representatives from OIC member states.