“Appreciation of distinguished figures by presenting the ‘Value‑Creating Woman’ statuette to the CEO of Mikarad Kish Company”
“The 10th ceremony honoring distinguished figures in Iran’s retail industry, top brands, chain stores, and shopping centers was held at the Olympic Hotel in Tehran with the presence of leading professionals in the retail and shopping‑center sector. In this event, Zeinab Bahreini, CEO of Mikarad Kish, was recognized and honored by industry leaders as the ‘Value‑Creating Woman’ of Iran’s retail sector…”
“Details of the Grand Gathering of the Country’s Women Economic Activists”
Marjan Hoshyar, Chairwoman of the Board of the Employers’ Association of Women Active in the Construction Economy, stated: “The Employers’ Association of Women Active in the Construction Economy was established in 2018 with the guidance of senior organizational experts and Dr. Seifi. The Association aimed to promote collective wisdom and collaboration within a formal structure. Even during the COVID‑19 pandemic, our activities did not stop. This Association interacts internationally with countries such as Australia. Today, we need new experiences and familiarity with international standards. Within this Association, we aim to teach business regulations through continuous training and by learning from global experiences. This organization defends the rights of its members in various institutions. Iranian women have only recently entered the country’s economic arena, yet the participation rate of educated women has been high. We are practicing the collective reasoning of women within a specialized sector. Our goal is to distinguish the right path from the wrong one to help future generations. We do not seek financial gain in this Association; the women of this land have come together to support new entrepreneurs.”
During the event, a dedicated panel was held. Dr. Khadijeh Yareali, the panel moderator, said: “The stories of women economic activists are always inspiring and uplifting. Whenever I hear their stories, I become hopeful about development. Opportunities and capabilities are always attractive to young female students. I hope this panel helps enhance the impact of successful role models.”
Maryam Gershasbi also noted: “I hope we can support those who have just started their businesses. I began working in 2005 as an apprentice and officially launched my business in 2014. I always say that when I started, my colleagues realized I was capable, and that’s why they helped me. Experience becomes beautiful when you remain calm in the worst situations. This experience has brought me peace, and that is the most beautiful thing.”
Dr. Zohreh Hassani, referring to the challenges she faced, said: “Unfortunately, the problem is that we do not identify our true interests; we simply choose a field of study. Interest is very important. I was 23 when I went directly into construction. My first experience was completing a project in just 15 days. What matters in other countries is your ability. In a project in Iraq, I realized they do not have a gender‑based perspective. That’s when you truly understand how successful you are.”
Nahid Alizadeh added: “I salute the women and girls of my homeland who pursue their beliefs, and I honor our parents. When I started working, I had no university education; later, I gained knowledge. If you begin with awareness and knowledge, your work will progress. During the three years of the COVID‑19 pandemic, a few of us women went to Sulaymaniyah, Iraq, and started our work — and that’s why we succeeded. Women in Kurdistan are known for their hard work.”
Dr. Nazila Nourfardi spoke about the challenges in her field of firefighting: “None of us forget the night before the university entrance exam. I believe pressure, excitement, and anxiety will always exist, and life always brings its own difficulties — and they matter.”
It is worth noting
“The First Grand Gathering of the Country’s Women Economic Activists Was Held”
The First Grand Gathering of the Country’s Women Economic Activists was held on January 6, 2024, at the IRIB Conference Center. More than 500 influential women from across the country—most of whom are active in the construction industry—participated in this event.
Marjan Hoshyar, Chairwoman of the Employers’ Association of Women Active in the Construction Economy, stated: “This Association was established in 2018 with the guidance of senior organizational experts and Dr. Seifi. The Association aimed to promote collective wisdom and collaboration within a formal structure. Even during the COVID‑19 pandemic, our activities did not stop. This Association interacts internationally with countries such as Australia. Today, we need new experiences and familiarity with international standards. Within this Association, we aim to teach business regulations through continuous training and by learning from global experiences. This organization defends the rights of its members in various institutions. Iranian women have only recently entered the country’s economic arena, yet the participation rate of educated women has been high. We are practicing the collective reasoning of women within a specialized sector. Our goal is to distinguish the right path from the wrong one to help future generations. We do not seek financial gain in this Association; the women of this land have come together to support new entrepreneurs.”
Speakers at the gathering included: – Mrs. Shohreh Tasdiqi, International Affairs Advisor of the Supreme Association of Employers’ Organizations of Iran and a specialist in IL matters – Dr. Hamid Reza Seifi, President of the Employers’ Association of Tehran Province – Engineer Atarodian, former President of the National Employers’ Confederation – Engineer Bijan Khatibi, member of the 7th and 8th Boards of Directors of the Engineering Organization
Related link: https://eghtesadejameh.ir/%d8%af%d8%b1%d8%ae%d8%b4%d8%b4-%d8%b2%d9%86%d8%a7%d9%86%d8%8c-%d8%af%d8%b1-%d8%aa%d9%88%d8%b3%d8%b9%d9%87-%d9%88-%d8%b3%d8%a7%d8%b2%d9%86%d8%af%da%af%db%8c-%d8%a7%d9%82%d8%aa%d8%b5%d8%a7%d8%af%db%8c/
“The First Grand Gathering of the Country’s Women Economic Activists – January 6, 2024”
The Employers’ Association of Women Active in the Construction Economy Announces:
The Employers’ Association of Women Active in the Construction Economy is organizing the First Grand Gathering of Women Economic Activists of the Country, with a focus on enhancing participation in national and international arenas.
The Grand Gathering of Women Economic Activists will be held with the presence of women active in various economic sectors, officials from ministries, professional associations, and representatives of institutions and organizations, at the IRIB International Conference Center.
Raising awareness about women’s economic rights and the barriers they face, training on methods for women’s participation and advancement in business, familiarization with global standards and how to apply them, guidance on international engagement, and empowering women in business are among the key objectives of this gathering.
It is worth noting that the gathering will take place on January 6, 2024 (17 Dey 1402) from 15:00 to 19:00 at the IRIB Conference Center. For more information, please visit the Association’s website at www.womenea.ir or contact the event secretariat at 021-91017711, extension 100.
“Meeting of the Employers’ Association of Women Active in the Economic Sector with the Ambassador of Australia”
The Employers’ Association of Women Active in the Economic Sector and the Women’s Commission of the Iran–Australia Joint Chamber of Commerce met with the Australian Ambassador.
On Saturday, October 30, 2021 (10 Aban 1400), the Employers’ Association of Women Economic Activists and the Women’s Commission of the Iran–Australia Joint Chamber of Commerce were invited to a breakfast meeting hosted by Ms. Lyndall Sachs, the Australian Ambassador to Iran. Following the opening session and the official introduction of the Association’s activities, Ambassador Sachs expressed her interest in holding a private meeting to further discuss the Association’s vision and objectives.
During this meeting, the participants explored avenues for cooperation, exchange of experiences, and familiarization with the economic markets of both countries in the field of women’s economic activities. They also discussed potential future collaborations within the framework of the laws of both nations and the prevailing international conditions.
“Launch of the First Employers’ Association of Women Economic Activists”
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.
“Membership of the Association of Women Economic Activists in the National Employers’ Confederation”
On February 1, 2022 (12 Bahman 1400), the National Employers’ Confederation officially accepted the membership of the Association of Women Economic Activists, recognizing it as the first women‑led employers’ professional organization in the country.
The purpose of establishing the National Employers’ Confederation is to safeguard the rights and defend the legitimate interests of all employers and employer associations across the country. Its mission includes coordinating efforts and activities related to various industrial, professional, and service sectors; creating favorable conditions for cooperation and exchange of ideas; and facilitating the transfer of technology and essential expertise to help achieve sustainable development in the country.
“Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Kish Investors and Entrepreneurs Association”
On Wednesday, December 8, 2021 (17 Azar 1400), a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Association of Women Economic Activists and the Kish Investors and Entrepreneurs Association. The key points of this MoU included providing information and introducing investment opportunities in Kish, identifying active women entrepreneurs and employers, holding consultation sessions, and organizing workshops for experience‑sharing and training women to become familiar with international standards.








