Since the early 1980's, the issue of "women's affairs" has attracted fundamental international attention and legislation enacted at various levels has been directed at the promotion of women's participation in diverse fields and the removal of all existing discriminatory practices against them. On the other hand, the extent to which women play their constructive role in society is heavily dependent upon the prevailing socio-economic, political, educational and cultural conditions of each society. Equality, development and peace, in the order stated, were the main objectives of the women of the world in the Nairobi Conference, and the strategies adopted at the conference clearly stated the necessity of the United Nations pursuing the establishment of means to achieve these objectives. Nonetheless, documents of the recent session of the "Commission on the Status of Women" convened in New York in 1995, state that "the objectives of the strategies adopted at the Nairobi Conference for the Advancement of Women have not been achieved, and despite great efforts on the part of individual men and women, government and non-government organizations, obstructions continue to hinder women's development."

The definition of development as given by international organizations is not accurately reflective of the actual status and requirements of all nations. It is becoming increasingly clear that the current policies on development pursued by international authorities do not give due consideration to developing countries' inherent cultural values and structures. It is obvious, then, that with such an obscure perspective of development, the position of "women in development" becomes uncertain and laden with ambiguity.

In principle, "development" must be defined both in its moral and material dimensions, and "women in development" remains an impotent phrase if activities concerned with its materialization are not coupled with moral and ideological support from the nations in question or do not carry their full social and cultural weight.

The Islamic Republic of Iran observes and gives attention to international forums and legislative measures on women because they tend to promote women's status. From the viewpoint of Islam, women have innate dignity and bring sublime values to their society. In the Koran, great emphasis is placed on the equality of men and women and only piety distinguishes a person in the eyes of God, whether man or woman. Spiritual development, according to Islam, is the path to perfection and elevation of the human being. In the society of Islam, the true Muslim is one who unconditionally and willingly steps in the direction of attaining the status of "The Perfect Human Being."

Also from a materialistic point of view, the development of women has its own meaningful significance. The Muslim woman must have access to all social gifts of life and within the framework of law, she can participate in all social, economic and cultural activities. Influenced by the intellectual changes of the past fifteen years, Iranian women, now cherishing the revived values of Islam and empowered with moral excellence, are active in the various material aspects of life.

The following discussion delineates the real status of women and their role in society from the Islamic point of view.

A. Status of Women in Islam

According to Islam, existence, with all contrasts and differences, is a unified and interrelated divine system. Men and women are complementary to one another and both enjoy equal status. Therefore, equality between men and women is an inherent and assured fact. Differences defined in the progressive laws of Islam for men and women are based on roles played and responsibilities assumed by them. In fact, the rights and privileges specified for women in Islam arise from their natural and permanent requirements. Because of women's physical characteristics and their role in creation, some of the laws in Islam give special privileges to them. Seeing women and men equal in all aspects is, indeed, a discriminatory approach towards women and tends to violate some of their natural rights. Thus, it is best for women to participate in development with due consideration to their physical and spiritual needs.

Men and women, equally, should endeavor to fulfil their ideals through the advancement of knowledge, promotion of understanding, safeguarding of human integrity, enjoyment of the gifts of life, benefiting from individual and social freedoms and the creation of a better world to live in.

On the other hand, women's profound sense of compassion and deep emotions are of great significance in safeguarding morality and humanistic qualities in society, which are so crucial in the prevention of cruelty and atrocities that are a permanent threat to human survival. It is for these reasons that women enjoy special status in education. Women have the power to influence social values and, therefore, must strive to increase their potential in accordance with moral values. The educational influence of women goes far beyond the upbringing of their own children; it embraces the entire human society.

The Islamic government is committed to the provision of all necessary means, including appropriate legislation, to enhance women's scientific, educational, social and political capacities in order to enable women to have intellectual, logical and moral participation in the progress of society. During their presence in various activities, Islamic dress (hijab) is protection against the perpetration of abuse and cruelty against women. Obviously, one's behavior and the dress one wears is a reflection of one's beliefs and the set of values a person holds.

In summary, we conclude that Islam emphasizes equality and not unqualified similarity of treatment of men and women and it has foreseen a special status for women in order to protect their rights unequivocally.

B. The Role of Women in the Family

The great human society consists of smaller units called "the family" that is based on human love and understanding, not on carnal and other desires. Woman is the symbol of divine beauty. She emanates mercy and kindness and with the help of these serene qualities establishes a good, stable family. Therefore, the integrity of the family rests with the woman. As long as the basis of benevolence has not been formed between the members of the family, the greater human society will never be based on co-operation, mutual understanding and friendship. The crucial element that maintains forgiveness, kindness and sacrifice in the family is the mother, who strengthens the bonds between the family members and educates and trains the children in a healthy, united environment. Whoever disrupts and unravels these family bonds shall be deprived of divine benevolence.