Gabon: The Girls, Women, and Society Chair was established on Monday at Omar Bongo University in Libreville, Gabon, by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation, or ICESCO, a specialist organisation operating under the auspices of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

According to ICESCO, the chair aims to advance scholarly and educational research on gender issues and women's rights, aid in the capacity-building of women and girls, and strengthen peace-building initiatives through the creation of multidisciplinary study programmes.

This is a part of the 2023–2027 ICESCO–Gabon cooperation programme.

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In a speech that was recorded at the launch ceremony and delivered by Dr. Salem bin Mohammed Al-Malik, director-general of ICESCO, he praised Gabon's initiatives to advance and promote the rights of women and girls.

According to Al-Malik, a lot of progress has been made since the national strategy for advancing women's rights and achieving gender equality was introduced in 2020.

In order to effect the desired change and create a just and equitable society for both the present and the future, he reaffirmed ICESCO's support for this cause and added that the chair would help break down stereotypes.

The launch of the chair coincides with National Women's Day in Gabon, according to Patrick Mouguiama-Daouda, minister of higher education and president of the Gabonese National Commission for Education, Science, and Culture.

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According to him, the Gabonese government is still dedicated to enhancing the living and working conditions for women and girls.

Mesmin-Noel Soumaho, dean of Omar Bongo University, stated that the chair would act as a hub for researching and analysing policies intended to combat gender inequality.

The ICESCO delegation and Gabonese officials held meetings on March 31 to discuss putting the plans for joint programmes and projects in this area into action.

The goal of the ICESCO/Gabon 2023–2027 Action Plan is to put a number of initiatives in place in the fields of culture, education, science, technology, and Arabic language.

By strengthening the capacities of women and girls, addressing their issues and concerns, and fostering dialogue for peace, it prioritises the development of human capital.

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The action plan aims to improve the worth of tangible and intangible cultural heritage, incorporate technology into educational systems, and prepare Arabic language instructors for Gabonese speakers.