TEHRAN – Zahra Behrouz-Azar, the Vice-President for Women and Family Affairs, is participating in an international conference on leveraging religious and media discourse to protect and promote women’s rights, being held on February 1 and 2 in Cairo, Egypt.

The conference, titled ‘Releasing Religious and Media Discourse and its Impact on Protecting and Promoting Women’s Rights in the Member States of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation,’ is co-organized by the National Council for Women, the Women’s Development Organization (WDO), and Al-Azhar al-Sharif.

Attending the event, Behrouz-Azar will expound on Iran’s measures to promote women’s rights and the country’s achievements in women’s political participation and economic empowerment, IRNA reported.

The conference is attended by the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Dr. Ahmed El-Tayeb; Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly; President of the National Council for Women, Amal Ammar; and high-level representatives from the 57 member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, in an international affirmation of the importance of women’s issues and their pivotal role in building societies.

It aims to highlight the role of responsible religious and media discourse in correcting misconceptions, promoting a culture of respect for women’s rights, and supporting their active participation in various fields.

The first day includes two main sessions. The first session discusses the role of religious and media discourse in raising awareness and correcting misconceptions, the role of women in confronting religious and intellectual extremism, and the role of media, culture, and the arts in shaping societal awareness of women’s positive roles. It also addresses education as an effective mechanism for combating religious extremism.

The second session focuses on the economic rights of women and girls, women’s contribution to the national product and their preparation for the labor market, and women’s role in entrepreneurship and financial inclusion. It also reviews best practices and successful experiences in member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

The second day will feature three sessions. The first session will address the mechanisms of the Al-Azhar Observatory for Combating Extremism Against Women and promoting the values of respecting and preserving women’s dignity.

The second session will discuss protecting women and girls from all forms of violence, including harmful cultural practices and traditions, as well as protection from cyber violence.

The third session, titled ‘Women, Political Empowerment, and Leadership’ will discuss women assuming senior positions and political participation, equal opportunities in the public sphere, and women’s role in peace and security.

Top female entrepreneurs honored

During the third national congress on Iranian women, held in December 2025, 60 of the most successful women entrepreneurs, who have played a key role in the country’s social and economic development, were honored.

Held annually, the congress aims to empower women, improve their skills, and introduce the most successful women in social, cultural, and economic fields, IRIB reported.

The event involved specialized meetings, discussion sessions, and interactive programs. Establishing a network of empowered women, the event served as a great opportunity to exchange knowledge and experiences, and offer effective strategies to enhance women’s status in society.

The current administration focuses on empowering women in social and economic areas, as well as improving their access to social services and facilities through implementing certain national programs.

According to Behrouz-Azar, Iran has always focused on programs that empower women, particularly those who are heads of household, economically and socially. Actions taken by the country have always aimed to promote women’s status by observing the principles of the constitution and Islamic teachings.

MT/MG