UNICEF celebrates Iranian Women's Day
A drawing competition, a panel discussion by teenagers, a traditional music performance and a comedy play were all held to celebrate Iranian Women’s Day at Melal Cultural House recently. The event was jointly organized by UNICEF Iran’s Women’s Empowerment and Girl’s Education project and Melal Cultural House in North Tehran. Iranian women’s day marks the birthday of Hazrat Fatimeh, the daughter of the Prophet Mohammad. Residents of the surrounding Qeytariah neighborhood brought their children to participate in the drawing competition that asked boys and girls to draw their female role model. The event drew attention to the social contributions of women and the challenges facing working mothers. “There cannot be realization of children’s rights without empowerment of women,” said Jan-Pieter Kleijburg, UNICEF’s Officer in Charge, in his speech at the ceremony. “Gender-based discrimination often starts at childhood and takes it toll for an entire life. It is also true that women’s and namely mothers’ self-reliance and independence is good for children.” Participants of the event also watched a debate by UNICEF youth volunteers about the impact of mothers' employment on the family. The debate comprised of two opposing teams who discussed the pros and cons of mothers’ employment. The debate was moderated by the well-known Iranian TV actress, Mahtab Keramati. Another renowned Iranian actress, Ms. Afarin Obeisi, who moderated the whole event, praised the respected status of mothers and emphasized the importance of maintaining a balance between working outside the home and spending time with one’s children. Ms Obeisi and Mr. Kleijburg handed out prizes to 10 winners of the drawing competition. UNICEF progammes in Iran include a Women's Empowerment project, which aims to increase women's social and economic participation and support advocacy efforts for the full realization of women's rights.
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