The social development of women in the capital was discussed in a specialized meeting attended by Soodeh Najafi, head of the Health Committee of the Islamic City Council of Tehran, and Mohsen Omidian, mayor of District 21. The aim of this meeting was to explore the themes of empowerment and social development of women in the 22 districts of Tehran.
Emphasis on Results-Oriented Approach
In this session, Soodeh Najafi criticized the existing structures and emphasized that modern urban governance requires listening to the voices of experts, elites, and the public. She stated: “We must move beyond 'report-oriented' to 'results-oriented'; meaning that in future meetings, in addition to identifying problems, practical solutions should also be presented to achieve tangible results for citizens.”
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Najafi also emphasized the necessity of transforming urban policies to be “family-oriented” and creating real managerial opportunities for women within the municipality. This change in approach can help increase the role of women in urban decision-making and improve their social status.
Urban Management with the Spirit of the City
Mohsen Omidian also welcomed the guests at this meeting and pointed out the fundamental differences in the current management of Tehran's municipality, saying: “We strive to strengthen the spiritual and cultural identity of the city alongside hardware development.” He added: “The municipality's ability to perform governance roles is the result of the support of the city council and the updating of organizational structures, and in this path, the management of women's affairs plays a significant role as an identity and key element in advancing the city's social goals.”
Omidian also praised Soodeh Najafi's field approach in holding meetings in the districts and considered this action an effective step towards accurately understanding the issues of each area and strengthening local identity.
Challenges and Solutions in the Field of Women
In the executive section of this meeting, reports were presented on actions taken during Ramadan and the challenges in the field of women. Topics such as reviving support networks like “Shahrbanoo” as safe spaces for women and creating unity among activists in this field were also on the agenda. These meetings aim to establish continuous communication between women managers of the 22 districts and exchange innovative experiences so that the successes of each area serve as a model for the advancement of other areas.
Ultimately, this meeting reflects the serious determination of officials to strengthen the social position of women in Tehran and to pay attention to their demands and needs. Given the emphasis on the active participation of women in decision-making, it seems that effective actions are being taken towards empowering this segment.
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