Iranian Women Take Center Stage as Juries in BRICS ‘Green Future’ Contest
TEHRAN – The inaugural international award for women’s environmental activities in the BRICS countries, known as ‘Green Future,’ is set to showcase the contributions of women in environmental initiatives. This exciting event will be evaluated by a panel of 16 jurors from ten different countries, including two esteemed female scholars from Iran.
Among the jurors are Masoumeh Ebtekar, a distinguished professor at Tarbiat Modares University in Tehran, and Simindokht Shirvani-Arani, the director of Scientific and International Cooperation at the Nuclear Science and Technology Research Institute (NSTRI) of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI). Together, they will assess the entries alongside a diverse group of international judges.
Initiated by the Council of the Eurasian Women’s Forum and Rosatom, this groundbreaking competition highlights women’s projects focused on sustainable development and environmental protection across BRICS nations. The primary goals of the contest include:
- Promoting environmental initiatives
- Encouraging peer exchange
- Sharing benchmarks and best practices among BRICS countries
The competition was officially launched during the IV Eurasian Women’s Forum held in Saint Petersburg on September 18. This contest aims to:
- Uncover women-driven corporate practices in sustainability and environmental protection
- Promote exceptional environment-oriented projects created by women
- Establish a global network of women for cooperation in environmental protection efforts
Women from Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia, who lead impactful environmental projects, have been invited to participate in this prestigious event. The competition features several nominations, including:
- Green Workforce: Recognizing women leaders implementing educational initiatives and mentoring projects that address the demand for young professionals in eco-oriented fields.
- Ecological Culture: Inviting women leaders to develop public initiatives that foster environmental awareness and eco-friendly behavior within society.
- Environmental Protection: Focusing on projects that contribute to the preservation of specially protected natural areas (SPNAs).
- Green Corporation: Highlighting women leaders successfully managing environmental projects within large industrial companies and eco-oriented businesses.
- GreenTech: Dedicated to innovative achievements that aid in environmental protection through scientific advancements.
The award ceremony is scheduled for May 2025. This initiative underscores the vital connection between women and environmental protection, as emphasized by Shina Ansari, the head of the Department of Environment (DOE). In December 2024, Ansari stated that enhancing collaboration across different societal sectors and fostering green businesses are essential for environmental conservation.
“Today, we face numerous environmental challenges, including climate change and air pollution, which require a collective approach to address,” Ansari remarked, as reported by IRNA. “Women’s involvement is crucial in preserving the environment, as their interests and the environment are closely linked. Women demonstrate significant sensitivity and concern for environmental issues,” she added.
By empowering women with responsibilities, they can contribute to solving various environmental challenges. For instance, women can play a pivotal role in waste management, an area that has often been overlooked. Training women to manage waste effectively at home can lead to a substantial reduction in overall waste, Ansari pointed out.
Moreover, women are essential in promoting sustainable agricultural practices and protecting vital forests, such as the Hyrcanian and Zagros forests, which are currently facing significant threats. Addressing these environmental challenges should be a top priority for the government, as it requires collaborative efforts; no single organization can effectively tackle these issues alone.
“Let’s join forces to make constructive strides at the governance level to mitigate environmental challenges,” the official further urged.
This pioneering award and the initiatives it promotes reflect a growing recognition of the importance of women in the fight for environmental sustainability. The ‘Green Future’ award aims to inspire and mobilize women across nations, highlighting their crucial role in shaping a sustainable future.
