Action to counter violence against women and girls in Iran

The National Conference on “Violence against Women: Challenges and Solutions” was held in Tehran this week. One objective was to give a push to the Bill on violence against women and girls (VAW) now being finalized for submission to the national parliament (Majlis), AVA Diplomatic reports.

The conference took place in Shahid Beheshti University on Tuesday 3 January. Addressing a large number of lawyers, human and women rights activists, government officials including women members of the Majlis, journalists, university professors and students, UN Resident Coordinator Gary Lewis said we must shatter negative gender stereotypes and attitudes towards women and girls and introduce and implement laws to prevent their discrimination and end exploitation.

“That is why the United Nations is happy to note that the Bill to Eliminate Violence against Women and Girls in Iran is in the process of being finalized for submission to the Majlis,” he said, adding that the planned consideration of the law demonstrates the commitment of the Islamic Republic of Iran to addressing and resolving this issue.

The Conference was organized by the Nationwide Union of Iranian Bar Associations in cooperation with some universities and criminology organizations.

Also speaking at the one-day seminar, Vice President for Women and Family Affairs Shahindokht Molaverdi said violence against women is the violation of human rights. She reiterated that fighting violence against women is a collective responsibility.

Lawyers, human and women rights activists, government officials including women members of the Majlis, journalists, university professors and students attended the event

Ayatollah Seyyed Mostafa Mohaghegh Damad said: “Until our society and its managers have not wholeheartedly accepted human rights, we will not be able to make progress.”

Ayatollah Mohaghegh Damad who is also a professor at the Shahid Beheshti University said: “All of us must accept all principles of human rights. Without a jurisprudence, which is based on human dignity and justice, our problems will not be solved.”