The unveiling ceremony of the First Employers’ Association of Women Economic Activists was held with the presence of a number of active businesswomen as well as several members of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, representatives of the National Employers’ Confederation, and officials from the Ministry of Cooperatives, Labour, and Social Welfare, and the Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade.
Marjan Hoshyar, entrepreneur in the field of commerce and the founder and president of this Association, stated that the purpose of establishing this organization is to enhance the qualitative and quantitative knowledge of women employers and to empower them in alignment with international standards.
Mohammad Atarodian, former President of the National Employers’ Confederation, referred to the history and position of the Confederation at national and global levels and emphasized the importance of strengthening professional associations.
Mojtaba Tavangar, Member of Parliament representing Tehran, said: “We must all work together to improve conditions in society and provide greater support for women so they can advance in entrepreneurship. In the near future, we will witness the flourishing of their talents and the improvement of the country’s economic landscape.”
Mohammadreza Seifi, Secretary of the National Employers’ Confederation, described the Confederation as the largest economic organization in the country and Iran’s representative at the ILO.
Yareali, advisor to the Employers’ Association of Women Economic Activists—who has long been active in business training, consulting, and empowering startups—stated that the effective participation of women in such associations marks the beginning of major transformations in addressing sector‑specific challenges across society.
Farahnaz Rafe, President of the National Carpet Center of Iran, emphasized the significant role of women in the economy and described the neglect of this segment of society as disastrous.
Khatereh Ostadrizaei, President of the Women’s Commission of the Tehran Chamber of Commerce and CEO of the Handicrafts Cooperatives Union, said: “The era of emotional and symbolic participation of women in certain fields is over. Women’s presence across all sectors and the proper assignment of roles to capable individuals will lead to meaningful progress.”
In continuation of the session, Esmet Ghanei, one of the founding members and board members of the Association and an entrepreneur in the food industry, stated: “Professional associations are the pathway for women industrialists to overcome the challenges they face.”
Mahla Zamani, a pioneer in the fashion and clothing industry, spoke about women’s activities in this field and the establishment of a museum of Iranian garments. Mitra Mobin, another entrepreneur and founding member of the Association, expressed hope for greater cooperation among women in professional organizations and described women as a fundamental pillar of economic development.