Implementation of the Strengthening of Women's Rehabilitation Centres National Programme

Saying that our society just like other societies is faced with women's prostitution, Shahindokht Molavardi explained: "The solution to this phenomenon is not just rounding them up and putting them in jail, because we have seen time and time again that we do not achieve a result." She reassured that: "the economic organization and empowerment of women alongside this job can be beneficial, therefore having a plan is a necessity so that the mistakes of the past are not repeated and the victims do not return to the cycle of prostitution." IRNA continues, by stating that a part of the sub-bodies of institutions and bodies such as the National Social Council, the Welfare Organization and Municipality are studying this issue Molaverdi continued: "In view of the experiences that we have had and have of rounding up women and releasing them, this will result in a criminal offense as well as damaging.”
According to her this can result in the exchanges of experiences of these groups of women.
Saying that a major part of this group turn to the profession because of economic and income problems, Molaverdi explained: “These individuals have no choice because of not having income or enough monthly wages, therefore the least that cen be cone for this group is planning with the aim of economic empowerment and professional and skills training so that they can be saved from their situation through getting jobs.” She stressed: “with presentation of realistic solutions social damages and later social damages to an extent be prevented, although the duties of the Women and Family’s Affairs Deputy’s duties have clearly been stated in article 230 of the Fifth Development Programme. In this article the duties of the Deputy have been defined in 14 items, one of which is the prevention of social damages with the cooperation and follow up of the executive branch bodies, to fulfill this objective.”
Deputy to the President said: “By rounding up prostitutes on a periodic basis, they will only be kept away from the public ro a period of time. But if after some time there can be no access to an organized programme and a realistic policy and coordination with the authorities, then there is possibility of repeat offense.”
Stressing on having a comprehensive and complete plan to confront prostitution, Molaverdi said: “The said programmes must include the different dimensions of this phenomenon; so that it will both be a prescription for prostitutes who are forced into what they do because of economic problems, and also a solution to be presented to women that it becomes normal for them and economic problems are not the cause of their prostitution.”
Saying that decision making and planning of those in charge of various governmental departments can resolve things, she added: “scattered actions must be avoided, and all mist be in one voice and coordinated with the enjoyment of capacities and correct management to reach comprehe3nsive and complete solutions.”
Saying that reports from some provinces indicate that due to limitations of place, most of these women are kept in centres for runaway girls and addicts, Molaversi continued: “the strengthening of rehabilitation and shelter centres for abused women is a national plan for Tehran and the provinces, which is due to be implemented in the current year.”