TEHRAN - Women housekeepers are the economists who do a lot of things and expect nothing in return.

The women's role in running the family economy and in raising the social and economic status of the family has not been highlighted enough.

It is important to note that the contribution of women housekeepers to overall national production is just as important as women who are employed in the social, cultural or political system.

Without any doubt, women who are employed contribute much to the family finances and to gross national product (GNP). Unfortunately, in this country and even in other countries abroad, the contribution of women housekeepers to national gross production has not been fairly recognized.

Women housekeepers are considered as invisible and important factors of national productivity and their greater contribution is to be found in the way they reduce family expense and their efforts to achieve a progressive life.

Women housekeepers who make beautiful handicrafts, prepare delicious food, plan their children's free time, provide family hygiene, ensure education, prepare a pleasant atmosphere at home, etc., play a significant role in national productivity, contribute to a sound family economy and raise society's social values.

Since women play a key role in the family, famous politicians, scientists, artists and prominent citizens found in society are no doubt the product of good mothers as wives and mothers are the main axis in the family. In society, in general, women housekeepers leave a greater influence on children in particular.

Soheila Jelodarzadeh, a deputy from Tehran, says that in spite of the difficult job a woman does and her efforts in the home, she is in certain cases lacking firmness in character because she lacks independence. In many countries, a woman is limited in her finances and has to rely on her husband or someone else. She adds: "Another important point about women housekeepers is the influence of culture and experience in their personalities and characteristics. A woman who works in the home is less perceptive of what goes on in the world or even in her immediate surroundings than one who works outside. There are not many possibilities for her to develop her talents in the home, although availing of the mass media and participating in different charities can give her the much needed opportunity to link up with society." Jelodarzadeh continued by saying, "Unfortunately, some people believe a housekeeper is a useless person as she is only a consumer and, for this reason, housekeepers lack self-confidence." She believes women housekeepers should know their intrinsic value and rights, and should try to keep their status high in society. "They should participate in family and community affairs, discuss issues, and be excellent examples in order to find their rightful place in society."

In addition, she said, cultural and legal officials should try to give them a suitable environment to pursue their cultural inclinations and give them all the support they deserve as women so as to decrease the rate of depression among this group of society.

She said the first step toward helping, supporting, respecting and providing good conditions for women's growth is actually within families.

Mrs. Hafezian, a social expert, says that in Iranian society women housekeepers take the back seat as employed women are given more attention and command better treatment.

She advises husbands not to take their housekeeper wives for granted. They should appreciate their wives' activities at home and consider them as having a rightful share in their incomes.