VP Joins Global Leaders’ Summit to Champion Women’s Empowerment
TEHRAN – Vice-President for Women and Family Affairs, Zahra Behrouz-Azar, is currently participating in the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women, taking place on October 13 and 14 in Beijing, China. This significant event is themed “One Shared Future: New and Accelerated Process for Women’s All-round Development.”
The meeting, co-hosted by China and the United Nations, has attracted a diverse group of participants, including:
- Heads of state
- Government leaders
- Parliamentary leaders
- Deputy prime ministers
- Ministerial officials
- Leaders of international organizations
- Representatives from various continents
This year’s meeting is particularly noteworthy as it coincides with two important anniversaries: the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations and the 30th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women held in Beijing.
During this event, participants will engage in discussions addressing various global challenges, such as:
- Climate change
- Technological and digital transformation
- War-inflicted crises
Additionally, the meeting will review each country’s progress in empowering women. Behrouz-Azar is scheduled to deliver a lecture and participate in bilateral meetings with officials from other countries. The aim is to enhance international cooperation and share Iran’s achievements in the area of women’s empowerment.
Women’s Empowerment Initiatives in Iran
In August, Behrouz-Azar emphasized that President Masoud Pezeshkian’s administration has consistently underscored the importance of national unity and the empowerment of women. She noted that, for the first time, over 2,700 female managers have been appointed in various high-level positions across the country, including:
- Deputy ministers
- Director generals
- Deputy director generals
- Governors
- District governors
- Heads of research institutes
Behrouz-Azar further highlighted the administration’s commitment to addressing issues that adversely affect women, including:
- The bill on the elimination of violence against women
- Regulations regarding hijab
- Women’s rights to ride motorcycles
Moreover, the Vice-Presidency for Women and Family Affairs has initiated programs offering loans and facilities aimed at supporting childbearing.
“I believe that women’s involvement in top management and decision-making positions is not just their right, but is also essential for the development of the country,” Behrouz-Azar stated. “My goal is to increase the representation of women in managerial roles based on merit and justice. I recognize the right of women to participate in politics, and I am committed to promoting the status of women’s affairs within the administration,” President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed during his election campaign.
While addressing the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference held in Bangkok in 2024, Behrouz-Azar remarked, “Iran has always prioritized programs that empower women, particularly those who are heads of households, both economically and socially. The actions taken by our country are aimed at promoting women’s status while adhering to the principles of the constitution and Islamic teachings.”
This global gathering is expected to pave the way for substantial dialogues and partnerships aimed at enhancing the status and rights of women around the world. The focus on women’s empowerment is not only crucial for achieving gender equality but also vital for sustainable development across nations.
In conclusion, the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women serves as a platform to unite leaders and stakeholders in their commitment to addressing pressing global issues while empowering women in their respective regions. As discussions unfold, the emphasis on collaborative efforts will be pivotal in shaping a future where women’s rights are recognized and upheld globally.