ANNUAL DISCUSSION ON INTEGRATION OF A GENDER PERSPECTIVE
Sudwind is very pleased to note the council’s efforts focused on the important issue of gender perspectives, and the empowerment and equality of women. However it is of paramount importance to acknowledge the fact that in some countries, such as Islamic Republic of Iran, changes can bear negative results on women’s lives and even introduce new limitations. In some countries there are not enough women in decision making positions. For example, in the same country there are 9 women out of 290 parliamentarians. President Rouhani promised before the election for at least one woman minister which he has not upheld. Dr Shaheed. It was reported yesterday in the news that propaganda now encourages youth to get married when they are still in school, stating that to get married once at university is even too late. The legal age for marriage for girls currently stands at 13 and so in light of the recent changes to the education system, which now sees girls leaving primary school at 13, this policy clearly doesn’t promote the economic, social situation of women and girls in Iran. Changes to the employment law now states that if a man who has children applies for a job, he will always take president over a woman applying for that same job. Sudwind would like to know how we can empower women in the face of such policies? Sudwind would like to know what kind of mechanisms you suggest to change the will of such states?
