Zahra Shojaei (Persian: زهرا شجاعی; 1956 – 26 March 2024) was an Iranian politician. A major advocate of women's rights in Iran, she was the advisor on women's affairs under President Khatami, and as such a member of his cabinet from 1997 to 2005.

Zahra Shojaei
Shojaei in 2021
Head of Center for Women's Participation Affairs
In office
18 October 1997 – 25 September 2005
PresidentMohammad Khatami
Preceded byShahla Habibi
Succeeded byNasrin Soltankhah
Personal details
Born1956 (1956)
Tehran, Iran
Died (aged 67)
Alma mater

Center for Women's Participation

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In 1997, Khatami created the Center for Women's Participation, which then became the main institution responsible for handling women's affairs in the country, affiliated with the presidency. When Ahmadinejad took the presidency in 2005, he renamed it Center for Women and Family Affairs (Markaz-e Omor-e Zanan va Khanevadeh Riasat-e Jomhuri).

Appointment to Iranian Cabinet

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President Khatami appointed Zahra Shojaei as his advisor on women's affairs (a position formerly held by Shahla Habibi) and the head of the Center for Women's Participation. This appointment made her a member of the Iranian Presidential Cabinet. Zahra Shojaei, along with Masoumeh Ebtekar, participated in the first cabinet since the Islamic Revolution to include women.

Transition

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With the election of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in 2005, Nasrin Soltankhah was appointed to Shojaei's post. The center was renamed Center for Women and Family Affairs, as opposed to Center for Women's Participation as it was called under Khatami. Participation was no longer a policy emphasis.

Death

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Shojaei died on 26 March 2024, at the age of 67.[1]

References

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  1. ^ "زهرا شجاعی درگذشت". YJC. 26 March 2024. Retrieved 26 March 2024.
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Government offices
Preceded byas Head of Bureau of Women's Affairs Head of Center for Women's Participation Affairs
1997–2005
Succeeded byas Head of Center for Women and Family Affairs