Facing heightened criticism, Iran’s moderate President Hassan Rouhani has appointed two women as vice presidents and one woman as his aide in an apparent attempt to appease Reformists who had demanded female ministers.
On Aug. 9, Rouhani named Masoumeh Ebtekar as vice president for women’s and family affairs. Prior to this, Ebtekar served as head of the Environmental Protection Organization during the first term of Rouhani’s presidency. The president also appointed Shahindokht Mowlaverdi — who was previously vice president for women’s and family affairs — as his aide on citizenship rights’ affairs. Mowlaverdi enjoys popularity among women for her efforts regarding women’s rights. Reports from the past week had indicated that Mowlaverdi was being considered for the position of minister of education.
