The head of state spoke at the National Forum on Women Shaping Economy and Culture . He criticizes "those who consider the presence of women in society a threat. According to the Islamic rules, man is not the stronger sex and woman is not the weaker one".

Tehran ( AsiaNews / Agencies) - "Women must enjoy equal opportunity, equal protection and equal social rights" said Iranian president Hassan Rouhani.  He was speaking at the National Forum on Women Shaping Economy and Culture held on April 20 in Tehran.  The comments of the Head of State were broadcast live on national television.

Criticizing " those who consider women's presence society as a threat" and said Iran still had "a long way to go" to ensure gender equality.  "We will not accept the culture of sexual discrimination" he said adding, "according to the Islamic rules, man is not the stronger sex and woman is not the weaker one".

Elected in June 2013, Rouhani is considered a moderate Muslim. From the beginning of his term he has tried to give Iran a more open face .

However, many international human rights organizations accuse the country of having discriminatory laws against women. Two days before the statements made by Rouhani, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei - Supreme Leader of Iran - said that " gender equality is one of the biggest mistakes of Western thought. Justice is a right, but equality is sometimes right, sometimes wrong".

He added that he did not oppose women's employment, but that it should not conflict with "the main issue", which was women's role in the "family environment and household".

 

• iran
• rouhani
• women's
• rights
• discrimination