TEHRAN -- Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance Ahmad Masjed Jamei here on Tuesday, said that women play a unique role in preserving religious and cultural values of the community and can be quite effective by actively participating in social affairs.

Speaking at the first conference of female researchers of Qur'an held in the conference hall of the Interior Ministry, he underlined the need for constant and solid efforts by women in all fields, IRNA reported.

"Today, more women are involved in Qur'anic studies. We hope that further planning and coordination in the field will help women play a more serious role and expedite the process of social development," he added.

The minister stressed that women's participation in various social fields has always been of significance to leaders of Islam and that their firm belief in such a principle facilitated the process.