Iranian women are making significant strides in the field of astronomy and space exploration, with numerous achievements both domestically and internationally. A recent event, “Girls, Pioneers of Space,” highlighted the contributions of Iranian women to the space industry and celebrated their groundbreaking work.
The event titled “Girls, Pioneers of Space” was held at the “Mina Dome” Planetarium located in the Abbasabad Cultural and Tourism Complex on the evening of October 26, 2023, in collaboration with the International Girls Friendship Association and the Asian Mayors’ Forum.
The ceremony was attended by Fatemeh Mohajerani, spokesperson for the 14th government, Zahra Behrooz Azar, Deputy for Women and Family Affairs in the 14th government, Yelena Serova, Russian cosmonaut, Yelena Luchitskaya, Russian analog astronaut, Vafa Sedqi, project manager of Payam and space expert, and Seyed Mohammad Hossein Hejazi, managing director of the Abbasabad Cultural and Tourism Complex.
Empowering Young Girls to Dream Big
Fatemeh Mohajerani, spokesperson for the 14th government, emphasized the achievements of Iranian women and girls in various international arenas, saying: “Just as our women and girls achieve great success both inside and outside the country, they are also making achievements in the fields of astronomy and space, which is a source of pride and honor.”
Referring to young Iranian researchers and scientists, Mohajerani added: “Our girls are famous on Earth and in space as well.”
“As someone who works in the field of education, I appreciate the efforts of these dear ones and continue to learn from young Iranian researchers and scientists.”
Seyed Mohammad Hossein Hejazi, managing director of the Abbasabad Cultural and Tourism Complex, continued by stating that the 560-hectare Abbasabad lands have been able to play a significant role in tourism and science.
Domestic Innovations and Global Recognition
He said: “It is a great honor for Iran and this complex that Iranian girls and women have been able to hold a scientific event at an international level, and this is very valuable.”
According to Hejazi, the Mina Dome Planetarium is one of the two specialized astronomy observatories in the country that is available to astronomy enthusiasts.
The managing director of the Abbasabad Cultural and Tourism Complex emphasized that at a time when the enemies of this homeland are trying to sow seeds of despair in people’s hearts, considering scientific and cultural approaches, we can create honor for the country on the international stage.
He also referred to the membership of the Abbasabad Cultural and Tourism Complex in the “United Nations World Tourism Organization” (UNWTO) and said: “Last year, the Secretary-General of this organization came to Tehran and was very surprised after seeing the existing facilities.”
Advancing Space Science and Technology
He stated with confidence that all the technology of this complex has been reverse engineered by Iranian experts and knowledge-based companies. With such capabilities, we need to introduce these achievements to the world.
In continuation of this event, Vafa Sedqi, project manager of Payam and space expert, provided explanations about the Payam satellite and the influential role of women in the science of astronomy.
The subject of space science and children’s worldview, along with a scientific workshop for children and space, were other programs that were introduced to children and adolescents at the “Girls, Pioneers of Space” event.
Honoring Pioneering Spirits
It is worth mentioning that Hanane Khoramdashti, winner of the gold medal at the 2024 International Astronomy and Astrophysics Olympiad, Baran Pourseif, winner of the bronze medal at the International Robotics Olympiad, Mojdeh Delirsharmi, director of the International Girls Friendship Association, and Yelena Luchitskaya, Russian analog astronaut, were honored at this ceremony.
From: irna.ir