Specialized Meeting on Women’s Sports Entrepreneurship Held Ahead of National Entrepreneurship Conferenc

According to the Public Relations Office of SSRII, a specialized session on entrepreneurship in women’s sports, part of the preparatory events for the First National Conference on Women’s Entrepreneurship and Business, took place on Sunday, November 17, 2024. The session featured prominent figures such as Dr. Mohammad Ehsani, Head of the Physical Education and Sports Sciences Department at Tarbiat Modares University; Dr. Asadollah Kord Naij, the conference’s scientific secretary; Dr. Zahra Salman, President of the Research Institute and Chair of the National Innovation and Entrepreneurship Council for Women’s Sports; Dr. Reza Mohammadkazemi, Deputy Chair of the UNESCO Chair for Entrepreneurship and a professor at the University of Tehran; Dr. Neda Boroushak, faculty member at the Research Institute and Secretary of the Women’s Sports Innovation and Entrepreneurship Council; Dr. Shahnaz Shahrbanian, faculty member at Tarbiat Modares University; along with faculty members, students, and enthusiasts.

During the session, Dr. Zahra Salman discussed the establishment of the National Innovation and Entrepreneurship Council for Women’s Sports, which began its work in March 2023. The council is a collaborative effort involving the Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology’s Advisor on Women and Family Affairs, the Research Institute’s Advisor on Women’s Affairs, the Deputy for Women’s Sports Development at the Ministry of Sports and Youth, and the Office for Women’s Affairs at the Tehran Governorate. Its mission includes identifying and supporting startup teams, entrepreneurs, and emerging businesses in women’s sports. Dr. Salman highlighted the success of the council’s first event last year, which supported and recognized innovative ideas and projects in the field.

Dr. Salman pointed out that the number of female graduates in sports sciences exceeds that of their male counterparts. She emphasized that with proper support and resources, women could translate their academic knowledge into practice and make significant contributions as entrepreneurs. She noted parallels with the accomplishments of female national athletes who have earned prestigious medals at global competitions and the Olympics, bringing pride to the country.

She added that one of the critical topics discussed in council meetings is the establishment of a professional sports system similar to the medical or psychological associations in Iran. Such a system, she explained, would be invaluable for professionals working in fields related to physical activity and sports.

It is worth mentioning that the First National Conference on Women’s Entrepreneurship and Business officially commenced on Monday, November 18, 2024, hosted by Tarbiat Modares University, with the participation of esteemed academics and prominent figures from the country’s sports community.