Tehran to host 'Women, Family and Social Networks' confab

Society Desk

A conference themed, Women, Family and Social Networks, will be held in Tehran from February 14-15.

According to ISNA, the conference will be organized by Iranian Association of Women's Studies in cooperation with the Presidential Office's Department for Women and Family Affairs.

The conference will focus on relation between social networks and a variety of issues including development, family, motherhood, social assets, household economy, women's modern identity, spousal relationship, cultural changes, citizens' rights, women empowerment, morality, addiction as well as health and marriage.

Those interested are invited to send abstracts of their papers to the conference secretariat till January 19.

Vice President for Women and Family Affairs Shahindokht Molaverdi said earlier that constant connection to social networks and the rapid spread of modern forms of communication are weakening family bonds.

She added that lack of effective dialogue among family members has adversely affected the foundations of families in Iran.

She voiced concern that family members spend more time on their mobile phones than with their families.

"Modern technologies are double-edged swords. On the one hand, they are a major source of conveying Islamic and moral teachings and publicizing social and cultural values while on the other hand, they strike a serious blow to the foundations of families," she added.

Molaverdi said the majority of people have not acquired proper skills to use social networks and new forms of communications.