Bishkek (TDI): Iran has called for closer collaboration among women across the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), presenting a series of proposals aimed at expanding entrepreneurship, digital connectivity and economic empowerment during the SCO Women’s Forum held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
The two-day forum, held on June 26-27 under the theme “Women’s Leadership,” brought together government officials, experts, entrepreneurs and civil society representatives from SCO member states to discuss women’s participation in leadership, economic development and digital transformation.
Representing Iran, Narjes Abolqasemi of the Vice Presidency for Women and Family Affairs said the SCO had the potential to become a model for inclusive, balanced and sustainable regional development by making greater use of women’s capabilities.
To strengthen cooperation among member states, Abolqasemi proposed establishing an SCO Women’s Cooperation and Entrepreneurship Network to facilitate the exchange of expertise and successful experiences. She also suggested creating a shared digital platform to showcase women-led businesses, products and services while improving access to regional markets.
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Her recommendations further included expanding joint training programs in digital skills, innovation and the knowledge-based economy to help women entrepreneurs adapt to changing economic and technological demands.
Abolqasemi said international experience has consistently shown that greater participation of women in economic activities contributes to higher productivity, increased innovation and stronger community resilience.
Highlighting Iran’s domestic policies, she said the country’s Constitution guarantees women’s participation in economic life through principles of human dignity, gender justice and equal opportunities. She added that Iranian labour laws prohibit discrimination based on gender in employment, wages and working conditions.
She noted that Iran’s Seventh National Development Plan (2023-2027) places a strong emphasis on women’s economic empowerment by supporting entrepreneurship, expanding vocational and digital skills training and improving access to financial resources.
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According to Abolqasemi, the government has prioritized support for small businesses, local production networks and wider market access through modern technologies. She said women account for more than 70 percent of home-based business licences issued in the country, while over 80 percent of loans for small businesses have been allocated to female entrepreneurs.
She added that women-led enterprises, particularly family and community-based businesses, play an important role in generating employment, reducing poverty, strengthening social cohesion and promoting environmental sustainability.
The forum focused on increasing women’s participation in public leadership, political decision-making and economic development, while exploring opportunities created by digital transformation. Representatives of governments, international organizations, women’s groups and business communities from across the SCO participated in the discussions.
Iranian officials also highlighted the government’s broader efforts to expand women’s participation in public life. Vice President for Women and Family Affairs Zahra Behrouz-Azar has previously stated that more than 2,700 women have been appointed to senior government positions over the past two years, including deputy ministers, governors, district administrators and heads of research institutions.
The administration says it continues to prioritise policies that promote women’s entrepreneurship, strengthen home-based businesses and improve women’s access to education, employment and financial support as part of the country’s long-term development strategy.
