Iranian Women Forge Ahead: Empowering Change for a Just Future
At the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women, Iran’s Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Zahra Ershadi, highlighted the unwavering commitment of Iranian women to forge a more equitable future for their communities. This gathering served as a platform to address the significant challenges that women face globally, particularly in light of ongoing geopolitical tensions.
“Despite the negative effects of unilateral coercive sanctions and the failed policy of maximum pressure, Iranian women continue to pave the way for progress and strengthen their society and families,” Ershadi stated during her speech at the UN in New York.
Below is the full text of Ambassador Ershadi’s speech, outlining the key issues impacting women’s rights and empowerment:
Statement by H.E. Ms. Zahra Ershadi
Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations
at the 69th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women
10-21 March 2025—New York
In the Name of God, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful
Madam Chair,
As we reflect on the 30 years since the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, it is crucial to recognize that—despite our best efforts—we have fallen short of fully implementing its strategies and objectives. Progress has been significantly hindered by persistent challenges, including:
- Poverty
- Economic instability
- Maximum pressure
- Unilateral coercive measures
- Foreign occupations
- Terrorism
- Genocide
These obstacles have not only delayed the achievement of the Declaration’s goals but have also had a particularly devastating and disproportionate impact on people in vulnerable situations, especially women, hindering development in many regions.
In my region, the Israeli apartheid regime’s actions in Gaza represent a ruthless campaign of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. The mass slaughter of innocent civilians—particularly women, children, and the elderly—along with the deliberate destruction of essential infrastructure, is an unspeakable violation of fundamental human rights. These atrocities are part of a systematic effort to annihilate the Palestinian people and strip them of their dignity.
The ongoing violence in Gaza severely restricts Palestinian women and girls from enjoying their basic human rights, thereby undermining any potential for their empowerment. The international community must recognize these horrors for what they truly are and take immediate action to hold those responsible accountable.
Madam Chair,
The Islamic Republic of Iran acknowledges the crucial role of women in driving social, cultural, political, and economic progress. Significant strides have been made in promoting inclusive growth and safeguarding women’s rights across various sectors. Noteworthy achievements include:
- Women now represent 33% of university faculty.
- Women make up 40% of the medical sciences workforce.
- More than 50% of healthcare professionals are women, including 40% of specialists and 30% of subspecialists.
- Women account for 45% of the public sector workforce and 74% in the private sector.
- Iranian women own approximately 32,000 businesses.
- Every year, 300,000 rural and nomadic women receive entrepreneurship training.
- Women have secured 41% of new jobs created in recent years.
Since the formation of the National Unity Government in 2024, there has been a notable focus on enhancing women’s participation in policymaking. This commitment has resulted in the appointment of over 190 women to managerial positions across Iran, including several historic milestones:
- Four women have been appointed to the 14th administration cabinet, including the first female spokesperson and Minister of Roads and Urban Development.
- 14 female heads of government institutions have been appointed by Presidential decree.
- There are 13 female deputy ministers, 17 advisors and assistants to ministers, and 110 female directors-general.
- Women hold the positions of 17 governors and 16 district chiefs.
- A Presidential directive has been issued to further boost women’s leadership roles in provincial governorships, municipal offices, and key government sectors.
In conclusion, Madam Chair, despite the negative impacts of unilateral coercive measures (UCMs) and the failed Maximum Pressure campaign, Iranian women continue to pave the way for progress. Their resilience and determination have been key in fostering advancements in all aspects of their lives. While external pressures aim to undermine their rights, Iranian women persist in shaping a more equitable future for themselves and their communities.
As the world continues to confront these pressing issues, it becomes increasingly important to support women’s rights initiatives globally. By lifting the voices of women and acknowledging their contributions, we can work toward a more just and equitable society for all.
