TEHRAN – The Vice President of Women and Family made several proposals to strengthen regional cooperation to empower women at the first forum of the Economic Cooperation Agency on Women held in Latin, Azerbaijan.
Working on the event held on July 2, Behzad Azarsa detailed the Iranian policies and measures, as well as the remarkable achievements in empowering women, Isna reported.
Increased women’s share in government management positions, presence in science and technology, development of cooperatives and enterprises for rural women, and the provision of financial facilities and training programs to improve skills was one of the holistic approaches to fostering women’s active participation in economic and social development.
To promote women’s empowerment, the formula proposed strategies such as the development of local eco-women’s platforms for sustainable development. It will launch a virtual network to connect women-owned businesses and host educational workshops on digital skills and green development. Support the project by assigning eco-green credit funds to women. Provide financial support for women’s initiatives in the fields of renewable energy, wise agriculture and sustainable tourism. Not only will it hold high-level annual meetings of women from eco-member countries.
Azarsa highlighted the need for solidarity and cooperation among member states to address regional challenges and praised Iran’s preparations to hold the first annual high-level meeting of eco women next year.
The current administration focuses on empowering women in social and economic spheres, improving access to social services and facilities by implementing specific national programs.
“Iran has always focused on programs that empower women, particularly women who are economically and socially heads of their families. The actions taken by the country have aimed to promote women’s status by observing the constitutional principles and Islamic teaching principles,” Mehr News Agency quoted Zahra Behrouz-Azar, vice president of women and families.
The Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) has convened the Asia-Pacific Ministers’ Conference on Beijing +30 Review, in collaboration with the United Nations Regional Office for Women in Asia and the Pacific in Bangkok, from November 19th to 21st, 2024.
Referring to Iran’s incredible achievements in education, health, science, technology and entrepreneurship, she highlighted the prominent role of Iranian women in these fields.
Currently, more than 70 women are serving as vice presidents, ministers, spokesmen and other important positions in the government.
Eco Women’s Forum
The first Eco Women’s Forum was held under the theme of “Strengthening the role of women in building a sustainable and climate-sensitive future.” The event brought together female leaders from eco-regions and international organizations to promote dialogue, cooperation and knowledge exchange.
Eco’s Executive Director Assad M. Khan highlighted the important role of women in sustainable development, climate resilience and economic growth, while also calling for strengthening leadership to integrate women’s voices into policy decisions and address global challenges.
He further focused on the importance of women’s perspectives in shaping the strategic goals of Eco Vision 2035, which serves as a roadmap for comprehensive and sustainable development for eco regions.
The forum featured three subject panel sessions highlighting the transformational role of women in climate resilience, urban development and sustainable growth. The discussion highlighted the need for women’s leadership in environmental governance, gender-responsive climate policy, and access to green finance.
As the forum was concluded, participants reaffirmed the importance of translating dialogue into actions through coordinated policies, regional cooperation, and accountable implementation. Key discussions include green skills for women, improving leadership in community planning, and improving access to education, health and governance.