TEHRAN (Mehr News Agency) — “There is no difference between men and women in their need to attain liberty and civil and human rights,” MP Elaheh Koolaee said here Saturday

The MP told the Mehr News Agency that Iranian women suffer twice as much as men from the problems of society.

“Women suffer due to the general problems of society, as far as underdevelopment, and also suffer due to their inability to gain equal opportunities with men,” she said.

The MP stressed that it is a priority for women to attain their human and civil rights, adding that this issue should be taken into account alongside the issue of women’s political and social rights.

Koolaee said that over the years many attempts have been made to resolve the issue of women’s rights in Iran; however, women were not rewarded for their significant contributions during the Islamic Revolution, the Iran-Iraq war, and in various fields of national development.

She went on to say that Iran has not yet attained its objectives from the time of the Islamic Revolution in regard to women’s rights, adding that more efforts should be made to achieve these goals.

The MP also said that educational activities are of the utmost importance in regard to this issue, adding that the fact that people have incorrect beliefs about women is one of the most serious problems in Iran.

Koolaee stated that women play the most important role in educational and cultural organizations.

“However, we have not yet made proper use of their talent,” she said.

Koolaee highlighted the rise in the number of educated women in the country, adding that this will naturally cause women’s expectations and awareness to increase.

“However if our social and legal system does not respond properly to expectations, the society will face a serious crisis,” she said.

The MP added that government officials should prepare the proper ground for women to attain their rights and should respond promptly to society’s demands.

Koolaee stressed that the expansion of civil institutions and women’s associations throughout the world has proven successful, adding that these associations have played an important role in defending women’s rights.

She went on to say that women should be given the chance to organize and voice their demands and expectations within the framework of government institutions.

Koolaee concluded by saying that the most important measures that must be taken now are recognizing the changes in modern society and fulfilling people’s needs.