TEHRAN – Vice President for Women and Family Affairs Zahra Behrouz-Azhar will participate in the World Leaders’ Conference on Women to be held in Beijing, China on October 13 and 14.
The conference will be held under the theme “One Shared Future: A new and accelerated process for women’s all-round development”.
The conference, co-hosted by China and the United Nations, brought together heads of state, government leaders, parliamentary leaders, vice prime ministers, ministers, leaders of international organizations, and representatives from various continents.
This year’s conference coincides with the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations and the 30th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women, hosted by the United Nations in Beijing.
Participants will discuss global challenges such as climate change, technological and digital transformation, and the crises of war, as well as review countries’ progress in empowering women.
In addition to speaking at the conference, Prime Minister Behar al-Zazar will also hold bilateral meetings with officials from other countries to foster international cooperation and share the country’s achievements in the advancement of women.
Promoting active participation of women
Behruz-Azar said in August that President Massoud Pezeshkian’s government had always emphasized the importance of national unity and women’s empowerment. As a result, for the first time under the current administration, more than 2,700 female managers have been appointed as deputy ministers, directors, deputy directors, governors, district governors, and heads of research institutes.
The official further said that over the past year, efforts have been made to identify and address issues harmful to women, such as violence against women, the hijab and the bill to abolish women’s motorcycle riding. In addition, the Office of the Vice President for Women and Family Affairs provides maternity loans and other schemes.
“I believe that women’s involvement in top management and decision-making positions is their right and the key to the country’s development.
My goal is to increase the proportion of women in management positions in this country, based on meritocracy and justice.
I recognize women’s right to participate in politics and will promote their status in government,” President Massoud Pezeshkian said during the campaign.
Speaking at the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference to be held in Bangkok in 2024, Behrouz-Azar said: “Iran has always focused on programs that economically and socially empower women, especially women who are heads of households. Actions taken by the country have always been aimed at promoting the status of women by adhering to the principles of the Constitution and Islamic teachings.”
MT/MG