Women Miners Shine

Five Iranian women have received mining licenses and are directly involved in mineral exploration.
Announcing the above, Soraya Zafari, the advisor to industries and mines minister for women and family affairs, told Fars News Agency that 85 women are directly or indirectly involved in industrial and related activities.
"Women’s presence in the mining sector has created more job opportunities for women,” she said, adding that currently more women tend to work in the industrial and mining sectors that were formerly regarded as male-dominated arenas.
She added that permits for mine explorations have been issued for both men and women, emphasizing on the gender-blind nature of industry in Iran.
"Those applying for mining licenses are evaluated with regard to their personal abilities,” she said, adding that facilities will be allocated equally to applicants.
Zafari said women’s participation in technical fields is high.
"Iranian women play key roles in industries and are active in production units such as pharmaceuticals,” she said.
The official noted that women have been identified as accountable and careful, such that factories and industrial units at times prefer them over their male counterparts.
She announced that recently a databank has been established by the ministry to record detailed information about women active in the mining sector.
"There are mines in the country discovered by women,” she said, adding that some women have registered these mines with their own names.
Zafari said that in order to create more jobs for women, particularly the breadwinners, women are being trained to work in more technical sectors such as stone-cutting.
Noting that many women are investing in the industrial sector, Zafari said women are active in industries as factory managers and private investors, adding that they are very skilled and can help develop Iran’s industries.
Zafari said a factory in Tabriz producing medical gloves is completely run by women.
"Women can efficiently work on heavy machines and equipments, take risks and are more eager to participate in economic activities,” she said.

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