Unilateral sanctions impede women’s empowerment: Iranian official

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
24 Jun 2023 14:09

The Director General for International Affairs of Iran’s Vice Presidency for Women and Family Affairs, Khadijeh Karimi, slammed the US for terminating Iran’s membership in the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW).

Director General for International Affairs of Iran’s Vice Presidency for Women and Family Affairs, Khadijeh Karimi, speaks at the Working Group on discrimination against women and girls in Geneva, Switzerland, on June 23, 2023. (Photo by IRNA)

Director General for International Affairs of Iran’s Vice Presidency for Women and Family Affairs, Khadijeh Karimi, acknowledged that unilateral Western sanctions and coercive, illegal measures impede the empowerment, growth, and prosperity of women in various sectors.

Addressing the Working Group on discrimination against women and girls in the Swiss city of Geneva, Karimi highlighted that “the Islamic Republic of Iran believes in the inherent dignity of women, and articles 20 and 21 of the Iranian Constitution emphasize the equality of all men and women.”

Karimi also criticized Iran's expulsion from the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), stressing that the action was a glaring instance of discrimination against women, most notably Iranian women.

She continued by saying that Iran has pursued the empowerment of women and girls with more vigor and seriousness in spite of such overt and illegal discrimination.

In March, Iran’s deputy permanent representative to the United Nations stressed Iran's commitment to empowering women and promoting their rights despite issues created by the illegal US sanctions.

“We continue to work to empower Iranian women and girls and to ensure that their rights are upheld while actively taking into account the concerns voiced by our women and girls. This is one of our top priorities, and we’ll endeavor to make progress in it,” said Zahra Ershadi, at a UN Security Council debate on women, peace, and security.

“Despite facing challenges, such as the inhumane unilateral sanctions imposed by the United States, Iran remains committed to promoting women's rights and has made significant progress in empowering women," she added.

It is worth noting that Iran has constantly reiterated that it is devoted to empowering women and advancing their rights. Iranian women have an important role in society and are involved in a variety of fields, including politics, science, education, and sports.