With due regard to late Imam Khomeini's comment on women's historical backwardness in our community, eradication of women's problems has always been considered in the post-revolutionary era. Due to the importance of this issue of concern, the Chairwoman of Women's Participation Center, Dr. Zahra Shojaei has been interviewed.

She has a doctorate in Strategic Management.

Q: What is the philosophy behind establishment of Women's Participation Center? A: According to the statistical figures and existing reports, women suffer from a historical backwardness in regard to the cultural, social and political facilities. We believe that women have some differences with men, however we are against prejudice toward women. Existence of an establishment that would consider the benefits of women in decision-makings is necessary. Therefore this organization was established.

Q: When did the first decision-making organization in this realm, started its activities? A: After the passage of a decade from the Islamic Revolution, the officials thought of establishing a special organization that would consider women's issues of concern. Therefore, in 1988 Women's Socio-Cultural Council was established in the High Council of Cultural Revolution. I was, also, present in that council as the representative of the Ministry of Education.

Q: What is the duty of this center? A: The Women's Participation Center's goal is to develop and boost social justice and to eradicate prejudice against women. Our strategy is to develop women's participation with due regard to the pivotal role of women in the family.

Q: What is the budget allocated for this center? A: The budget allocated for this center is 60 times more than the previous year's budget, which shows the emphasis of the government on resolving women's problems.

Q: What percentage of women does your organization cover? A:One hundred percent, we, in fact, consider all women in our plans. We believe that women are divided into 5 groups: Housewives, employed women, rural women, young women and vulnerable women.

Housewives are our first priority. We have 12 million housewives. They have been neglected for many years. We have had many projects for them, such as the project for insuring all housewives.

We also have another project for eradication of violence at home. Our other activities have been the expansion of public libraries, educating rural women, development of NGOs, and establishment of cooperatives for university female graduates.

Therefore if you look upon the activities of the center in the past few years, you would realize that we have covered all women's strata.

Q: According to the outcome of studies, cultural needs are the first priority of women. With due regard to our ancient civilization, why cultural needs are the first priority of women? A: Male chauvinism is observed in all cultures.

This ideology even exists in the most developed countries of the world, in which women occupy highly elevated social status. Giving birth to a boy in the U.S. is further encouraged, which manifests the existence of chauvinism in that country. Our country has an enriched Islamic culture, however sometimes other norms and traditions, which have no roots in the Islamic ideology have evolved, too.