The Foreign Ministry reaffirmed its strong support for women entrepreneurs at the International Women’s Leadership Conference in Isfahan. The event, hosted by the Isfahan Chamber of Commerce, demonstrated how women entrepreneurs are transforming Iran’s economy and expanding their global presence.
Zahra Ershadi from the Foreign Ministry praised the determination and creativity of Iranian businesswomen. She said women entrepreneurs have continued to advance Iran’s economic and cultural profile despite external restrictions. Moreover, she emphasized that these efforts highlight women’s growing role in shaping sustainable national progress.
Ershadi explained that when their work aligns with national economic strategies, women can significantly accelerate development. Therefore, she urged stronger cooperation between government institutions and the private sector to convert women’s potential into tangible growth.
Furthermore, she noted that Iran cannot expand its global economic partnerships without including women as active participants. Over the past decade, women have excelled in higher education, research, and knowledge-based enterprises. Consequently, their achievements reflect a hopeful outlook for the nation’s economic future.
In addition, Ershadi stressed that sanctions have only strengthened women entrepreneurs. Their persistence, she said, continues to drive innovation and productivity across industries. She added that the Foreign Ministry will introduce new initiatives to help women participate more effectively in diplomacy, trade, and global cooperation.
At the same event, Zahra Khodadadi, head of the Parliamentary Women and Family Caucus, detailed new government measures to strengthen job skills. She stated that the Seventh National Development Plan aims for a 25% increase in women’s professional capacity through focused training in marketing, innovation, and digital technology.
Moreover, Khodadadi called for the creation of innovation centers that allow women to balance family life with entrepreneurship. She pointed out that true economic resilience depends on collaboration between public and private sectors. Women in small and medium enterprises, she added, consistently achieve high productivity despite limited resources.
She also emphasized that women entrepreneurs are pioneering new income models in fields such as digital health, green technology, and sustainable agriculture. As a result, their creativity and leadership are strengthening Iran’s knowledge-based economy.
During the conference, officials launched the National Consortium of Women Entrepreneurs and organized expert-led panels on business development. In addition, the event honored several outstanding women for their achievements in entrepreneurship and innovation. According to local authorities, more than 64,000 electronic business license applications were submitted this year in Isfahan Province.
This trend clearly demonstrates the growing participation of women entrepreneurs in Iran’s business ecosystem. Ultimately, both speakers agreed that supporting women entrepreneurs is essential for achieving inclusive and lasting economic growth. With continued cooperation, targeted training, and institutional support, Iranian women can play an even more dynamic role in shaping a resilient national economy.