A delegation from the United States of America visited the International Islamic Fiqh Academy on Monday 16 Shaaban 1445, corresponding to 26 February 2024. The delegation from the Global Women’s Issues was composed of Ms. Zennia Paganini, Regional Policy Advisor and Ms. Rachel Wein, Policy Advisor. The delegation was accompanied by Mr. Tanner G. Sullivan Political/Economic officer at the US Consulate General in Jeddah, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Upon their arrival. The delegation was received by Ms. Sara Ajad Bedwi Director of Family, Women, Children & Elderly and Supervisor of the Office of the Secretary General at the Academy.

Upon the arrival of the delegation at the International Islamic Fiqh Academy in Jeddah, they were received by Ms. Sarah Bedwi Director of Family, Women, Children and Elderly at the Academy. Ms. Zennia Paganini Regional policy Advisor at the Global Women’s Issues expressed their delight at visiting the Academy and thanking the Academy for the opportunity, hospitality and warm reception. She added: “the Academy and our organization can do a lot to collaborate in areas of shared interest, for example, education of girls, empowerment of women and combating bad cultural practices around the world that may impeded the development of girls and women”. She reiterates that the role of the Academy is central to clarify the position of Islam on those issues and to correct some of the misconceptions about Islam.

On her part, Ms. Sara Bedwi welcomed the honourable guests of the Academy for this kind visit extending to them the greetings and best wishes of His Excellency the Secretary General of the Academy Professor Koutoub Moustapha Sano. She then presented an overview of the Academy, its vision and mission. She particularly pointed out that the Academy is the primary reference for member countries of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in Jeddah the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, entrusted with clarifying jurisprudential views on calamities and new developments from family issues to financial matters. She added: “The Academy takes into consideration the paramount importance of traditional family matters and the protection of the rights of girls and women as partners of men in the development of their nations”.

Furthermore, both the delegation of the Global women’s Issues and the Academy emphasised the need for more cooperation and working relations in a way to promote the development of women, combating violence against women, promotion of peace and security, among others.

The meeting was attended by Dr Alhagi Manta Drammeh, Head of International Cooperation and External Relations