UN Envoy Highlights Iran’s Success in Gender Equality

Addressing a UN General Discussion in New York on March 16, Iran’s UN Ambassador Gholam Ali Khoshroo explicated the efforts Iran has made to strengthen women's economic participation as well as their political, social and cultural contribution.

The discussion was held to review the implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action and the outcome of the 23rd special session of the General Assembly on sharing of experiences and good practices on implementation of the Platform for Action, with a view to overcoming remaining obstacles and new challenges.

What follows is the full text of Mr. Khoshroo’s speech:

Madam Chair;

At the outset, I would like to express my thanks to the chair of the Commission and to other members of the Bureau.

Women are traditionally left out of the technology and engineering fields due to the stereotypical images and discriminatory attitudes that say men are better suited for such professions, or the idea that math and science are masculine domains. In Iran, women have already crossed such boundaries. Today, we are proud of the fact that women are not only overtaking university entrance exams, which is- in itself- a big achievement, but they are also highly encouraged to inter into medicine, science, technology and engineering disciplines. 

Madam Chair,

The Islamic Republic of Iran, with a firm belief in the constitutionally embedded value of equality of men and women in human rights and dignity, has constantly put in place, in law and practice, efforts to strengthen women's economic participation as well as their political, social and cultural contribution.

The selfless devotion of women who are giving care to our elderly citizens and those with disabilities, that have remained unpaid for many years, should be reconsidered in their real and economic terms. A great deal of entrepreneurship projects in Iran, targets to empower these women, through supporting startup businesses, establishing rural cooperatives, facilitating access to required technologies such as mobile apps and increasing their internet literacy through training courses on marketing strategies in the virtual space. Meanwhile, we are cognizant that not everything can be monetized. Respecting cultural context in ensuring women's security within a prosperous happy family remains essential.

In the absence of women in decision making positions, giving them the voice they deserve is close to impossible. The victory of more than 6,000 women in the elections of the village and city councils in Iran marked an instance of women's success stories. Currently, about 20 percent of the key positions, including parliament members, policy-making and administrative management posts are filled by women. This is achieved by changing viewpoints and a native model of development from within.

Madam Chair,

The idea of "no one left behind" requires our international collaboration. The international community in line with the SDGs has recognized the significance of a conducive external environment in support of national efforts toward the empowerment of women. Now, it is incumbent on the developed countries to honor their promises, or at least do not block the efforts of the developing countries.

Imposing sanctions under whatever disguise is an instance of harmful policies practiced by a few countries which seriously inflicts the global efforts towards women’s education and economic empowerment. Meanwhile, there is an urgent need to contain political leaders who are running on the waves of xenophobia and discrimination on the basis of race, religion, country of origin and gender.

Last but not least, in some parts of the world violence and extremism shape daily lives of women. In Palestine, Syria and Yemen women are deprived of their basic human rights to life and security. Their homes are shattered down, and poverty, disability and forced displacement continue to steal their present and future. They shall not be forgotten. 

Thank you for your attention.