UNFPA recognizes the vital role of faith-based organizations (FBOs) in addressing sensitive issues like gender relations and reproductive health. FBOs, serving as cultural agents of change, play a crucial role at the grassroots level, aligning with UNFPA's goal to ensure rights and choices for all. Al-Azhar University, a global Islamic institution, has embraced positive changes, rejecting harmful practices and promoting women's rights. UNFPA collaborates with FBOs like Al-Azhar University to amplify the project's mandate. 

A delegation from Uzbekistan, led by Ms. Malika Kadirkhanova, Chairperson of the Committee of the Senate of Uzbekistan on gender equality, recently engaged in a meaningful exchange with scholars at Al-Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt. Facilitated by UNFPA Uzbekistan, the study tour aimed to deepen understanding and foster discussions on crucial aspects of women's rights in Islam, reproductive health, and social empowerment.

Al-Azhar University, founded in 970 A.D., is renowned globally for its expertise in Islamic studies, making it a fitting venue for discussions on these significant topics. The mission covered a range of subjects, including women's rights in Islam, reproductive health and rights, social and economic empowerment of women, the role of religious leaders in ensuring women's rights, and communication strategies for behavioral change.

In interaction with Uzbek Delegation, the representatives of the University emphasized that Islam condemns violence against women and survivors should be encouraged to report without shame. Forced marriage is strictly prohibited. Pre-marriage counseling is recommended to fill knowledge gaps, and early pregnancy and marriage below 18 are against Islamic principles. Women have the right to decide on childbirth, and modern approach to family planning are encouraged for the benefit of women’s health, children and the family prosperity. 

Vaccination is encouraged in Islam, and breastfeeding is recommended, but women have the final say. Al-Azhar University actively defends women's rights, emphasizing equality between men and women. The importance of fundamental rights in the Quran and Hadith was highlighted, with a focus on fostering an understanding of women's rights.

The delegation gained valuable insights into Islamic perspectives on women's rights, with a particular emphasis on the significance of education, empowerment, and aligning societal practices with Islamic principles. The exchange aimed to bridge gaps in understanding and promote a harmonious approach to women's issues.

During the visit scholars from International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan presented "Principles of Gender Equality in Islam'' manual for teaching in religious educational institutions, which was developed to promote the implementation of the provisions of the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, in partnership with the UNFPA. The authors, based on the Quran and hadiths, scrupulously approached the coverage of the history of women’s rights in the teachings of Islam, the description and substantiation of the civil, political, family, socio-economic, spiritual and cultural foundations of women’s rights, the legal and moral consequences of discrimination against women, described in fundamental Islamic primary sources. The manual also provides a comparative analysis of the principles of women’s rights in Islamic law with modern legal systems, rights and freedoms enshrined in the laws of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The scholars from Al Azhar University expressed a high level of appreciation and commendation for the "Principles of Gender Equality in Islam'' manual. The positive evaluation signifies the manual's significance in promoting understanding and fostering dialogue on gender equality within the Islamic context.

UNFPA is the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency. UNFPA's mission is to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person's potential is fulfilled. UNFPA calls for the realization of reproductive rights for all and supports access to a wide range of sexual and reproductive health services, including voluntary family planning, quality maternal health care and comprehensive sexuality education.