TEHRAN -- Sociologist Rassoul Nafissi said that the current Iranian government owes its success in the last election to the expanded political participation of women, but no serious measures for women have been taken.

He noted that it is a hopeful sign that the current government has a female presidential advisor and four women deputy cabinet ministers.

Dr. Nafissi went on to say that deputy ministers and advisors do not play key roles. He added, "When women do not occupy key positions, it shows that women are considered to be the second gender."

He stated that compared to the situation in other Persian Gulf countries, Iranian women suffer less discrimination and more doors are open to them to enter politics, but added that we should accept that the government bureaucracy has still not opened all doors for women.

Nafissi said that Iranian women should stand up for their rights.

He noted that Iranian women participated in large numbers in the demonstrations that led to the victory of the Islamic Revolution and understood that the political struggle is part of their struggle to be accepted in society.

He said that the activities of Iranian women over the past two decades have led to more women attending university and being elected to the Majlis.

Nafissi added that more Iranian women work outside of the home nowadays because of the difficult economic conditions in the country. He also noted that female journalists, writers, publishers, and artists can pave the way for a better future for Iranian women.