TEHRAN - Today the women’s society is mourning for a woman who was the first flag bearer of women’s rights after the victory of the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Shahla Habibi, born in 1958, was the first Iranian presidential advisor on women's affairs in the government of President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani.

She made great efforts to improve women’s situation with her great braveness. She made attempts to correct wrong views about women’s social activities and tried hard to implement gender equality.

A steady involvement of women in international affairs was formed for the first time by Habibi. It was due to her endeavors that Iranian women attended the 4th International Women’s Conference at Beijing in 1995. It was the first experience of Iranian women’s presence at international events after the victory of the Islamic Revolution.

Other important tasks conducted by Habibi was formation of different women’s NGOs.

Habibi established the Islamic Republic of Iran Women's News Agency (IWNA) in the 1990s to meet the information needs of Iranian women. She also became the IWNA director.

Despite physical pains at the last days of her life, she insisted on supporting women and tried to abolish discriminations against women.

She left for the heavenly abode on September 6, 2017.

Tehran Times condoles Iranian women on her loss. May her soul rest in peace!

NM/