Iran's Rouhani appoints female vice-presidents

Iran President Hassan Rouhani has appointed three women as vice-presidents and one as a civil rights assistant following criticism of his all-male cabinet.

Masumeh Ebtekar has been named vice-president for family and women's affairs, Laya Joneydi is vice-president for legal affairs and Shahindokht Mowlaverdi is the president's assistant for civil rights.

Two of the three positions had already been occupied by women during Rouhani’s first term in office. Molaverdi served as Vice-President for Women and Family Affairs, while Aminzadeh served as Rouhani’s aide for citizenship rights, Mehr nrews agency reported.