Most of the social problems stem from lack of respect for women and girls, according to an Iranian MP from Isfahan province, Akram Mosavari-Manesh.
Addressing a women's gathering in Kaboutar Ahang, Hamedan province, she was quoted by the Iranian official news agency (IRNA) as saying "Women should be respected to be able to direct their potentials towards the objectives and benefits of the system and the community."
She noted, "Our women should be encouraged to actively participate in various activities including political, social, cultural economical, similar to women living at the climax of Islamic era."
Referring to women's role under the Islamic Republic, she added that Iranian women had a pivotal role in the development of the community just as they had active presence in the victory of the Islamic Revolution as well as the Iraqi-imposed war (1980-1988).
Mosavari-Manesh, also Head of Majlis Women's Fraction, pointed out that before the revolution, Iranian women were made to believe that they have no right to take part in running the country's affairs and should not show up in the society.
"However, with the victory of the Islamic Revolution, women were given their denied rights," she went on to say. The lawmaker said that one of the achievements of the Islamic Revolution's victory was the presence of women on various social arenas.
She added that the general view towards women was totally changed with the victory of Islamic Revolution and a new positive outlook was created by the late Imam Khomeini (PBUH) with respect to women and their participation in social affairs.
She recalled, "According to Quran, women and men have been created from a single essence, thus there is no difference between them."
She concluded that they should, therefore, have a say in the social decision-making trend as well. (Albawaba.com)
© 2002 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
