Iranian women find place in the sun

After the landmark year of 1997, women in Iran began to play a bigger role in society. They are active in science, art, film, sports, and also in politics.

Dr Javadi, one of the Iranian vice-presidents, has also been appointed head of the department of the environment. Some members of parliament are also women. They are effective in different aspects of social life and a lot of them have jobs as teachers, as corporate employees, or cab drivers.

The principles and fundamentals of Women's Rights and Responsibilities in the Administration of the Islamic Republic of Iran have the comprehensive and balanced religion of Islam as their foundation, and aim to pave the way for coordination and harmony for advancing material and spiritual dimensions in individual and social life. They take note of women's freedom along with responsibility, human dignity and a balance between rights and responsibilities.

The constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran gives highest priority to family and its livelihood, and at the same time believes women should be fully active beside men in the economic, social and political spheres of society.

(China Daily 02/18/2008 page16)