Parliamentary Secretary for Women's Rights meets Ms. Fatemeh Hashemi

The position of women in Iran and Malta was the subject for discussion between Ms. Fatemeh Hashemi responsible for Women's Affairs and Ms. Helena Dalli, Parliamentary Secretary for Women's Rights.

Various issues were discussed, namely women's role in the family, their participation in the labour force, the much needed balance between family and work responsibilities, conditions of work, child-care services, women's participation at the decision-making levels and family law.

The traditional role of women in Iran is still dominant. Women are seen mainly as mothers and housewives. However the level of education is on the increase and thus more women are taking up careers.

Ms. Hashemi was in Malta to attend an international conference on thalassaemia held during the first weekend of April. This conference was organised by the Department of Pathology at the University of Malta.