Iran’s Komiteh Emdad Unveils Comprehensive Strategy for Empowerment and Self-Sufficiency
In a recent address, the head of Iran’s Komiteh Emdad Imam Khomeini Relief Foundation outlined a robust, multi-faceted strategy focused on empowering citizens and fostering long-term self-sufficiency, with a special emphasis on supporting women and families.
Honoring a Legacy of Service
Seyed Morteza Bakhtiari, the head of the Foundation, began his remarks by honoring the memory of the martyrs of the Iranian government. He paid tribute to the foundational principles of the organization, established by the late Founder of the Islamic Revolution, Imam Khomeini, in 1979. Bakhtiari emphasized that the Imam’s directive to create the Komiteh Emdad was rooted in deep Quranic values and the tradition of the Ahl al-Bayt, demonstrating a profound commitment to supporting those in need from the very inception of the Islamic Republic.
A Three-Pillar Strategy for Dignified Living
The core mission of the Foundation, as articulated by its leader, is built on three strategic pillars derived from Imam Khomeini’s teachings: aiding life, aiding work, and aiding a dignified and honorable living.
“Our duty is to provide an honorable life for those in need,” Bakhtiari stated. “This is the responsibility of the system and all those involved in relief work.”
This strategy moves beyond temporary aid, focusing instead on sustainable empowerment. The Foundation has officially transitioned from providing basic support to enabling long-term self-reliance, a shift underscored by guidance from the Leader of the Revolution.
Focus on Economic Empowerment and Stable Income
A primary focus of this new phase is the creation of stable employment and income, particularly for female-headed households and rural communities. Bakhtiari revealed that over 2.3 million families are currently under the Foundation’s support, with 66% being women and 52% residing in rural areas. Notably, 1.346 million of these households are led by women.
“Stable income requires sustainable employment, and sustainable employment requires skills training,” Bakhtiari explained, highlighting the logical progression of their empowerment model. In the past Iranian year, over 100,000 individuals achieved self-sufficiency, building on the 80,000 who reached that milestone the previous year.
Leveraging Technology and Public Trust
A key to the Foundation’s modern approach is its “smart relief” system, which has been ranked second among all executive agencies in Iran for its efficiency. This digital transformation is cited as a cornerstone of public trust, ensuring transparency in operations.
The system supports over 500,000 orphaned children, with donations from 1.7 million benefactors going directly into their accounts. In the first five months of this year, contributions saw a 30% increase compared to the same period last year, demonstrating growing public engagement.
Furthermore, approximately 80,000 charity centers run by the people themselves have been established across the country, ensuring that aid is distributed efficiently and community-led.
New Initiatives for Sustainable Growth
Looking forward, the Foundation has launched a new Employment Guarantee Fund, prioritizing job creation for female-headed households. This initiative is part of a broader plan that saw the creation of 271,000 jobs last year, with the goal of leading those individuals to full self-sufficiency by 2026.
Through its 45 years of experience, the Komiteh Emdad continues to define empowerment through the core tenets of employment, housing, and the culture of self-belief and independence, reaffirming its commitment to building a stronger, more self-reliant society.
