Organized by the Cultural Counsellor’s Office of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Pakistan, an academic–cultural conference entitled “Women’s Rights in the Thought of Ayatollah Khamenei” was held online via social media, with participation from researchers, experts, and university professors from southern Punjab—especially Multan.
Leadership’s Emphasis on the Inherent Dignity of Women
Majid Meshki, Cultural Counsellor of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Pakistan, explained the goals of the event: Ayatollah Khamenei, by stressing the intrinsic dignity of women, criticizes treating women as mere tools and underscores the importance of upholding social and family values alongside women’s active roles in various fields.
Women’s Roles in Cultural, Social, and Intellectual Progress
He further added that, from the Supreme Leader’s viewpoint, women not only possess human dignity equal to men, but also play a central role in cultural elevation, social progress, and raising future generations. The leadership’s model is based on modesty, honor, and intellectual and spiritual growth—rather than adopting Western cultural norms that alienate women from their moral and human identity.
Annual Meetings and Educational Encouragement
Meshki referred to the annual meetings held by the Supreme Leader with women, noting that in these gatherings, Ayatollah Khamenei outlines strategies, policies, and guidance on women’s issues. A recurring theme in his speeches is encouraging women to pursue academic and scientific activities while valuing their roles as wives and mothers.
Representation of Women in Higher Education
He emphasized: over 60 percent of university students are women, which reflects the Supreme Leader’s emphasis on women’s scientific advancement.
Women’s Contribution without Neglecting Family Duties
In the leadership’s perspective, women can actively contribute across scientific, cultural, medical, social, and political fields without neglecting their family and ethical responsibilities.
Contrasting Views: Western vs. Islamic Perspectives on Women
Referring to the Supreme Leader’s remarks, Meshki concluded that the Western view treats women as objects and diminishes their dignity, whereas in Islam, women are beings with missions, possessing dignity and deserving respect.
Participants Call for Continuation of Such Initiatives
Participants warmly welcomed and appreciated the event, emphasizing the need for such programs to continue in order to provide a clearer explanation of the Islamic perspective on women.
Pakistani speakers—including Fariha Jamshed, professor at Punjab College; Gul Nasreen, a renowned writer; Shazia Manzoor, poet and researcher in Islamic studies; Azra Batool, head of the Economics Department at Bahauddin Zakariya University in Multan; and Farzana Kokab, head of the Urdu Department at the same university—congratulated the great nation of Iran on its recent achievements and discussed the status of women in the intellectual framework of the Supreme Leader. They described his views as rooted in human dignity, emphasizing the central role of women in both family and society, while rejecting the West’s instrumental view of women.
Attendees also called for strengthening academic and cultural cooperation between Iran and Pakistan, particularly in the fields of women’s and family issues.
From: icro