Iranian ambassador and at the session of the 69th Committee on the Status of Women, the deputy permanent representative of the United Nations Zahra Ershadi says that Iranian women remain determined to build a more legitimate future for themselves and their communities.
“Despite the negative effects of unilateral forced sanctions and the failed policies of maximum pressure, Iranian women are paving the way for progress and continuing to strengthen society and families,” Elshadi told the 69th United Nations Commission on Women’s Status in New York on Friday.
Here is the full text of Elshadi’s speech:
Statement by
He is Zahra Ershadi
Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative
Iran’s Islamic Republic to the United Nations
At the 69th session of the Committee on Women’s Status
10-21 March 2025 – New York
In the name of God, the most compassionate and most merciful
Madame chair,
Looking back at the 30 years since Beijing’s adoption of the platform for declaration and action, it is important to recognize that despite our best efforts, we will fully implement our strategy and objectives. Progress is heavily hampered by persistent challenges such as poverty, economic instability, maximum pressure, unilateral enforcement measures, foreign occupations, terrorism, and genocide. These obstacles not only delayed the achievement of the Declaration goals, but also had a particularly devastating and disproportionate impact on vulnerable situations, particularly women, that hindered development in many regions.
In my area, the wild actions of the Israeli apartheid regime in Gaza are nothing but a ruthless campaign of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. The massive massacre of innocent civilians, women, children and seniors, and the intentional destruction of essential infrastructure and the brutal evacuation of the entire community are unspeakable violations of fundamental human rights. These atrocities are not merely isolated incidents. They are part of a systematic effort to annihilate the Palestinians and strip them of their dignity and existence. The ongoing violence inflicted on Gaza continues to prevent Palestinian women and girls from enjoying basic human rights, undermining their potential for empowerment. The international community must take immediate and decisive action to recognize what these fears are and to be responsible and accountable.
Madame chair,
Iran’s Islamic Republic acknowledges the important role of women in promoting social, cultural, political and economic progress. Great progress has been made in promoting inclusive growth and protecting women’s rights across diverse sectors. Some examples of this progress include, but are not limited to, the following facts: Currently, women account for 33% of university faculties, 40% and 50% of medical science, and 40% of experts and 30% of subordinate specialists. Women also own 45% of the public sector workforce, 74% of the private sector and 32,000 businesses. Each year, 300,000 rural and nomadic women receive entrepreneurship training, with women securing 41% of their new jobs.
Since the establishment of the National Unified Government in 2024, it has led to the appointment of more than 190 women from across Iran to management positions, including several historic Firsts:
Four women appointed to the 14th administrative cabinet. This includes the first female spokesman and the Minister of Roads and Urban Development.
A female head of a government agency appointed by executive order.
13 female vice ministers, 17 advisory and assistant ministers, 110 female superintendent generals, 17 female governors and 16 female district chiefs.
Presidential Directives to further enhance the role of women’s leadership in governors, local governments and key government sectors.
In conclusion, Madame said despite the negative effects of UCMS and the max pressure campaign that has already broken down, Iranian women are paving the way for progress and continuing to strengthen society and their families. Their resilience and determination were important in fostering progress in all aspects of their lives. While external pressures aim to undermine their rights, Iranian women continue to shape a more equitable future for themselves and their communities.
rhm/