On December 8, 2013, President Rouhani’s proposed “The World Against Violence and Extremism” plan in his speech at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The proposal was approved through a vote given by representatives from nine countries
Speaking to the “Morning Dialogue” radio program broadcast by the local “Radio Dialogue” station, Vice President Massoumeh Ebtekar spoke about issues concerning women and family affairs and observed that, “Although our country has been subjected to violence and assassination and the most severe sanctions since the United States’ withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the people and government continue to stand firm and resist to minimize the damage.”
The Vice President continued, “The situation is very difficult and the enemies are trying to bring the noble and hard-working nation of Iran to its knees, but surely the people will succeed with tact, patience and resilience.”
Ebtekar asked, “What is the source of violent behavior in the youth and even the middle-aged, and why is there more violence against women and more harm to women? Of course, this is not an issue only in Iran, and it has become much more acute in many countries around the world, since the trend of combating violence against women or the abuse of women first started in industrialized countries.”
The official added, “Part of the efforts to combat violence against women are passed through laws,but because of the inadequacy of some of these laws, parliament has introduced and approved plans such as intensifying the “acid act punishment” (a favorite form of violence among misogynists).
“The government has submitted a comprehensive bill for the security of women against violence and is currently waiting for the government’s bills committee to give the final approval in parliament.”
Ebtekar emphasized the need to strengthen behavioral and social skills to increase adaptability in families and society, saying, “We need to have more tolerant behavior and evolve our thinking toward mutual understanding and developing dialogue.”
The Vice President for Women and Family Affairs noted, “The government provided and developed a Personal and Social Skills Educational Package from the beginning of the twelfth government, in addition to the National Family Dialogue Plan.”
“We strive to promote family members’ communication skills such as critical thinking in schools, universities, among parents, and even the elderly, in order to raise our resilience against related harms and problems,” the official said.
Vice Presidency for Women and Family Affairs