Women and Iran

Women and Iran

Iran has long been an extremely conservative nation, greatly influenced by Islam and its teachings. What is usually regarded as common social practice in many parts of the world is regarded as a taboo in the Islamic republic. Traditionally an all male 'patriarchal' society, Iran has little to offer women in terms of roles and position. In accordance with traditional Muslim culture, women are restricted more to their homes and household chores. Women until now have played little or no role in the all male social club of Iran. Iran became The Islamic Republic of Iran after the Islamic revolution that marked the downfall of the regime of the last Shah. The revolution was aimed at Islamizing a nation that had traditional and strong Muslim roots but was regarded to have been steered 'off-course' by the Shah and his influential American backing.

The popular revolution was initiated against the secular government of the Shah in the year 1978. Leading the revolution Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini pledged to restore 'Islamic law' in the country which according to him had veered off the teachings of Prophet and Islam. During the reign of Shah Reza Palhavi, women had a more democratic and free role which soon disappeared after the revolution and making of the Islamic republic. They enjoyed equal rights and status. This was however short lived and stood to change after the revolution which brought with it stringent measures and means that were soon to become an integral part of the Iranian social structure. Until the revolution, women were given the right to vote and contest for any public office. Before the revolution, women played a very recognized role in public affairs and that of the state. They had free access to all sections of the society. However, all this changed with the onset of the Islamic revolution. The revolution would forever change Iran's social structure and with it the role of women in the Islamic republic.

Women's movements in Iran - A brief history:

Women's rights activism in Iran can be traced back to as early as the year 1850. It is widely regarded and accepted that the first women's rights activist was a lady by name Fatima who was the eldest daughter of a religious icon named Ghazvin. She was born in the year 1814. In the course of time, she gained excellent education and mastered a number of languages. At a very young age of fourteen she married her own cousin who was the son of Mulla Mohammed Taghi Borghani. The Mulla was a very powerful Usuli religious leader. He was much of a fanatic and opposed all ideas of reform and modernization. At the time, there were two schools of thought in Iran namely the Ahkbari and the Sheykhi who called for liberalization and thereby challenged the power and authority of the Mujahids. Influenced by a very close relative, Fatima and her sister joined the Sheykhis. (A brief history of women's movements in Iran - I)

With the year 1828 in sight both sisters migrated to Iraq to continue their religious studies. The prolonged stay in Iraq made it feasible for either sisters to come into close contact with many political and religious figures such as Seyyed Kazem Rashti and his successor Seyyed Mohammad Bab. Apart from that, they also had a taste of European politics and governance. Fatima soon joined the Babi movement and made 'liberation of women' a chief issue on the agenda of the movement. Her endeavors were often subject to pitched controversies that led to widespread differences.

Nevertheless, it was her well coordinated efforts that put into place a very highly organized women's movement in Iran which was also the very first of its kind. Her crusade soon gained momentum across the nation and fueled hopes among women particularly among those who faced oppression and strife. Her support base grew in large numbers with some of the women members of the royal family too aligning with her. In recognition of her services and actions, she came to be known as Tahireh or pure. However her well concerted efforts proved to be short lived. In the year 1848, the opposition hardliners and several clerics organized a widespread campaign against the followers of the Babi movement which was by and large very successful. (A brief history of women's movements in Iran - I)

What followed was a well attended meeting of the Babis at Behdasht. During the course of the meeting, Fatima tore her veil and demanded that women be freed from evils and oppressive practices rampant across the nation. This act was highly controversial and soon gave way to a split in the leadership of the Babi movement. She was immediately arrested and sent into exile. After a short period of time she escaped only to be recaptured in Tehran along with several other Babi leaders. She was executed along with fellow compatriots in the year 1852. During her lifetime, this legend relentlessly pursued the cause for women and their upliftment. He movement and policies were legitimate, forceful and in keeping with the general issues of a civilized world. He strived for a more liberal society that recognized the rights and roles of women and accepted them as an integral part of the society. (A brief history of women's movements in Iran - I)

In selflessly doing so, she kick started a movement that would go a long way in addressing the need of women and repairing their status and identity. After her death, Iran lost a genuine reformist who toiled to modernize the society and championed the role of women in all dimensions. However, the movement did not altogether become stonewalled. A while later, Taj Saltaneh, who was the daughter of Naser al-Din Shah added drive to the now leaned movement. She openly wrote against the veritable practices that discriminated against women and harshly criticized the administration for being part of the devious plot to downgrade women and their position in the nation. She strongly voiced against the practice of veiling and asserted against the prohibition of women joining public offices and the royal court.

Quite soon, she found strong motivation and inspiration from Bibi Khanoum Astarabadi. Astarabadi, in her booklet 'The Shortcomings of Men' observed the general contempt that was maintained against women and their role in the society. She maintained that the entire society was against the rise of women and was involved in a cruel ploy to subjugate women in all forms. In the last phase of the 1800s and the early 1900s, women had a more liberal role to play in the social infrastructure of the nation thanks to the concerted efforts of a group of women who toiled to achieve a generally accepted role for women in the society and called for increased social standing. (A brief history of women's movements in Iran - I)

The Reuter concession of 1872 and the Tobacco protest that followed was regarded as the first ever organized protest initiated by women across Iran. The movements saw a great number of women participate in violent protests across the nation. Kamran Mirza, who was the vice regent at the time, was attacked by groups of women. Zeynab Pasha was a revolutionary who led militant women in the attack of government warehouses in the city of Tabriz. At about the same time, the wife of Haydar Khan Tabrizi organized a women's front that protected pro-constitution speakers in Tabriz from an attacking rebellion. The constitution was granted in August 1906, largely due to the efforts of women who for some time had been inexorably pressing upon the issue. With the constitution having come into force, women had a new role to play. Matters of state and public interest soon caught the attention of women who began boycotting the import of foreign goods. (A brief history of women's movements in Iran - II)

Almost simultaneously, they began soliciting funds to establish the first National Bank in Iran. It was indeed a very significant move that was aimed at structuring the economy and the financial structure of the nation. Women across the nation participated unconditionally in the movement and began widespread use of native fabrics. So as to finance the establishment of the bank which was their vision, many women across the nation sold their jewels and valuables in the hope of raising the much required funds. A secret union of women was formed and it engaged in publishing pamphlets and booklets urging reforms and restructuring at the grassroots level. At one point of time, the union published a leaflet calling for men to relinquish their seats in the Majlis (governing council) and allow women to rule the nation.

In their crusade, they hoped that eventually, the government would give in to their popular demands of equal rights and social recognition. Much to the disappointment of women across the nation, no such concessions were made in the constitution. On the contrary, much to the annoyance of women, the electoral law of September 1906 barred women from contesting for public office. It stated that "the women's education and training should be restricted to raising children, home economics and preserving the honor of the family." (A brief history of women's movements in Iran - II) Following the decree, on 20th January 1907, a large scale meeting was held by women in Tehran. This meeting called for the adoption of ten resolutions which included setting up a girls' school. A bolder resolution called for the abolition of the dowry system so as to allow that money to be spent on further education process that was aimed at helping women across the nation. (A brief history of women's movements in Iran - II)

In 1907 following the meeting, Bibi Vazirof opened the 'Madresseh Doushizegan' which was a school for women. This move was widely opposed by various people in the society and soon the school was forced to close its operations. Not long after, it was reopened and continued operations in a more determined format. At about the same time, Toba Azmodeh, another women's rights activist, opened the 'Namus' in the premises of her own house. This was followed by widespread opposition from political and religious circles with even some outlawed mobs and groups threatening to halt its continuation. Despite all dangers that were witnessed the organization continued to outlast the ravages of time thanks largely to the well coordinated and dedicated efforts of many devoted activist. The biggest move can when Mrs. Safieh Yazdi, the wife of the pro-constitution mujtahid, Mohammed Yazdi opened the Effatiyah School in the year 1910. (A brief history of women's movements in Iran - II)

This was hailed as a move for the democratization and widespread acceptance of the social standing of women. This event fueled hopes among all classes of women and it called for more schools and similar organizations to be formed and operated across the nation. Subsequently, in the year 1911, Mahrukh Gawharshinas stated the 'Taraghi' much to the defiance of her hard line husband. In the same year, Mah Sultan Amir Sehei opened the Tarbiyat. Soon women schools were mushrooming all across the nation. By the year 1913 there were nine women's societies and sixty three girls' schools in Tehran with close to three thousand students.

The schools so formed were indeed factories that produced fine generations of well educated women who never failed in their concerted efforts to campaign for women's rights and their social standing. Women such as Touran Azmoudeh, Fakhre Ozma Arghon (Simin Behbahani's mother), Bibi Khalvati, Guilan Khanoum, Farkhondeh Khanoum and Mehrangize Samiei were among the many graduates of these 'modern' schools. Quite soon, male activists too joined the fray to campaign for women's rights and their social standing. Javad Sartip, Mirza Hussein Rushdiyeh, Nasr Douleh and Adib Douleh are among the well-known supporters due to whose financial and moral support, the movement became a reality. With time, women's societies were formed across the nation. (A brief history of women's movements in Iran - II)

In the year 1907, Society for the Freedom of Women and Secret Union of Women were formed. Both organizations played an extensive role in calling for the liberalization of women's rights and their social standing in the traditionally conservative Islamic nation. Subsequently the Association of the Ladies of the Homeland was formed. It was followed by The Society for the welfare of Iranian Women, Women of Iran, Union of Women, Women's Efforts and the Council of Women. These organizations played a widespread role in organizing and promoting causes related to women and addressed issues that were an impediment in the general progress of women. They collected funds, published materials, created awareness and constructed schools, homes, orphanages and other important facilities. All of these groups were actively involved in politics and other forms of national and state affairs. (A brief history of women's movements in Iran - II)

In the year 1915 the Society of Christian Women Graduates of Iran was formed. This was followed by the establishment of the Jewish Women's Association. It was formed with a clear aim of educating women and children in Iran. The communist associates of the Messengers for Women's Prosperity celebrated the International Women's Day for the first time in Rasht in the year 1915. All these dynamics events were accelerated with Reza Shah becoming the ruler of Iran in the year 1926. The monarch emphasized on the need for a more democratic nation and helped snowball the already fiery movement. A great deal was achieved with the concerted and well directed efforts of women across the nation. (A brief history of women's movements in Iran - III)

The monarch and his family encouraged various women's movements and leagues and brought about a climate that signaled equality in terms of rights and status among women. Safiyeh Firouz in 1942 formed the National Women's Society. This was followed by the formation of the Council of Iranian Women in 1944. The council strongly criticized the practice of several social evils including that of polygamy. The Tudeh Party Women's league was among the most efficiently organized women's organization during this period. In the year 1944 Huma Houshmandar published the acclaimed title 'Our Awakening.'

In the year 1949 the women's league was changed to Organization of Democratic Women and several branches and chapters were opened in all the major cities across the nation. Zahra and Taj Eskandari, Iran Arani, Maryam Firouz, Dr. Khadijeh Keshavarz, Dr. Ahktar Kambakhsh, Badri Alavi and Aliyeh Sharmini were among some of the most prominent Tudeh activists. This society was once again changed to be known as Organization of Progressive Women, in the year 1951, it lobbied elaborately for electoral rights and provisions for women but failed in its efforts to obtain anything tangible. By this time Higher Council of Women formed in the year 1949 is taken over by Ashraf Pahlavi. (A brief history of women's movements in Iran - III)

The council opened several branches across the nation based on key developmental aspects and issues such as health, education and charity. By the year 1964, it was changed to Organization of Iranian Women and in the year 1978 it had three hundred and forty nine branches across the nation and hundred and thirteen centers and included fifty other organizations which dealt in women's issues. A study indicates that in the year 1977 alone, more than one million women used the services rendered by the Council. A large number of magazines and journals were published during this time that called for the need to awaken and battle against the injustice done in various sections of the society towards people who were meek and powerless. (A brief history of women's movements in Iran - III)

The role of Women during the Palhavi Reign:

Shah Reza Palhavi was a liberal ruler who advocated modernization and democracy in the nation. He was also a supporter of the movements that called for increased women's rights and social standing. One of his first acts as ruler was the abolition of the veil. This according to him was a major stepping stone in furthering the increased role of women in all dimensions. The dynasty saw the veil as a symbol of an obsolete culturally obsessed tradition that had to be done away with immediate effect. His reign saw the increase of educational opportunities for women and the establishment of the Girl Guide movement. Women were encouraged to work outside their houses and thereby foster important partnerships in social, cultural, educational and political grounds. Palhavi's son, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and the royal family jointly embarked upon a program aimed at campaigning for women's rights and the complete emancipation. (The Women of Iran during the Palhavi Era)

During this period dating up to the year 1979, women enjoyed a very high degree of liberty, equality and social standing. One of the most significant happenings during this period took place in the year 1963. As part of the reform process, women were given the right to vote and contest for any public office. During the parliamentary elections under the reign of the Shah, more than one million women voted. Out of ninety nine candidates who stood for the elections, nineteen of them were elected to the Majlis and two of them were elected to the Senate. Following the elections, a woman was also appointed to the Cabinet, in a newly created post as Minister of State for Women's Affairs. Women were playing a very significant role in public affairs and matters of the state. They were also benefiting from superior education policies of the Shah's regime. (The Women of Iran during the Palhavi Era)

In the year 1967, with the support of the ruling family and Princess Ashraf Palhavi in particular, the Women's Organization of Iran (WOI) was established. The year 1975 saw members of the Women's Organization of Iran (WOI) undertaking multidimensional roles, significant of them being the participation of their delegation in the United Nations Conference on Women's rights in Mexico. Addressing the conference, Princess Ashraf Palhavi stated that "all the efforts and instructions of political leaders cannot prove effective if women themselves do not participate in socio-economic and political programs to grant them equality." The Women's Organization of Iran (WOI) soon expanded its role and began running family welfare centers, child care centers, vocational training programs and legal cells. (The Women of Iran during the Palhavi Era)

The organization also played a very significant role in Iran's literacy campaign and emphasized on newly propagated marketing and communication skills to be imparted to women. The organization also involved itself into scientific and research related activities which it funded and operated from time to time. Iranian laws were being reviewed and modified which were in respect to the changing times and practices. Discrimination and other socially unacceptable practices were being stemmed out, thanks to the dedication of the royal family and other well educated professionals who were indeed true reformists seeking to change Iran for the better. Sadly, all this would not outlast the Islamic revolution that took place in the year 1978. (The Women of Iran during the Palhavi Era)

The Islamic revolution and the role of women since:

Late in the year 1978, hard line clerics and conservative Ayatollahs were of the opinion that the Shah and his ruling family were 'westernizing' the society of Iran. A widespread popular opinion against the Shah and his ruling class was being fueled. This marked the beginning of the Islamic revolution by clerics and hard line groups opposed to the rule of the Shah. A number of groups supported the revolution. Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini seized power in the beginning of the year 1979 and restored Islamic law as part of his renewed pledge. Thus the secular nation marching on the tracks of development and democracy was suddenly transformed into a nation with limited scope and momentum. Thus was born the Islamic republic of Iran. (Women in Iran - A brief picture)

Almost immediately upon having seized power, the radical fanatic Ayatollah curtailed the fundamental rights of the people and targeted women across the nation who were well placed in high offices of the government. The Ayatollah in conjunction with hard line clerics passed a law that openly segregated women and men and denied women from being placed in matters of public affairs and that of the nation. A number of draconian and totally baseless laws were passed and brought into effect which eventually made life for women filled with hardships and distress. Women were disallowed to be part of public activities and sports and games. The Ayatollah and his band of archaic religion oriented thugs were in effect altogether reversing the developments that had taken place within the society in the recent past. (Women in Iran - A brief picture)

Women across the nation detested the Islamic republic and its autocratically fanatic leaders. They called for a change in the way the nation was being governed only to be ruthlessly suppressed and muted in the process having to pay a very heavy price for their open criticism of the new leadership which considered itself more of a liberating force. Women in Iran and across the world have been campaigning for a free and fair social structure that included women, something which the extremist leadership has been fundamentally opposed to. With growing dissent and discontent, there came into being the International Campaign for the Defense of Women's Rights in Iran. It is aimed to fight for the rights of women across Iran especially aiding those who are refugees abroad.

The government on its part has imposed serious and stringent restriction with regards to dress code and other social practices. Western media is seen as a demeaning force that is aimed at subverting the people and is hence banned from being viewed and broadcasted. Freedom and personal rights have been grounded to an alarmingly low level. It is a shame that a nation which was once on the track of development aiming to be a part of the league of developed nations has now been tossed into a high degree of conservatism. Women are regularly detained by law enforcement agencies for not observing social regulations and other norms pertaining to dress code. It is undoubtedly a regime that is proliferating oppression and discrimination among its people. (Women in Iran - A brief picture)

The problem of sex slavery in Iran:

After the fall of the Shah dynasty in 1979 following the Islamic revolution, fundamentalists seized power and as a first step curtailed the freedom of people, women in particular. In the name of Islam, humiliation and harassment continues to be aided by the radically fanatic government. Strong punishments such as stoning to death, forced veiling and segregation have become the order of the day with little or no opposition at all. Islam is being misquoted in many an instance. Iran has also become a haven for sex offenders and other sexually oriented criminal groups such as sex traffickers and groups involved in child pornography. Over time prostitution and child abuse has been on the rise with several well organized and coordinated groups in the operation.

According to highly placed officials in Tehran, prostitution is on a daily rise and authorities are taking little or no action to curb the increase of this social evil. In Tehran, there are an estimated 84,000 women and girls forced into the practice of prostitution. A great many of them reside in the cruel auspices of the streets. A sizeable number of them form part of the 250 brothels that reportedly operate within the city. This is not all, the trade has taken an international turn calling for more and more increase in the figures involved in the flesh trade. It is estimated that thousands of Iranian women and girls are forced into prostitution and sold as sexual slaves abroad.

Sex trade has become a thriving and a very profitable business both within and across the borders of the nation. The head of Iran's Interpol bureau is of the opinion that flesh trade is the most profitable business that is being operated currently. A great number of victimized girls hail from rural impoverished families. Added to the woe, a sizeable population of Iranian's has turned to drug addiction and parents who are dependent on drugs sell their children so as to support their costly habit. Unemployment figures are at their peak touching 28% among youth between 15 to 29 years of age. The figure stands at 43% for women who are between the age of 15 and 20. It is widely believed that these stark factors contribute to the increased prostitution levels among women in Iran.

Some of the most popular destinations for Iranian sex slaves are the gulf countries themselves. It is disgusting to note that traffickers target girls between the age of 13 and 17 to be 'exported' to Persian Gulf regions. What is even more disgusting to note is the indifference of the government that has been traditionally opposed to the development of women and has done nothing at all to mandate the protection of women's rights. Once deemed unfit or expended, these helpless victims are transported back to Iran where another series of disasters await them. Upon their return, hard line fundamentalists blame them for illicit practices and bestow upon them severe physical punishments and eventually call for their imprisonment.

The atrocities being committed against women in Iran are unspeakable, totally un-Islamic and blasphemous. Women are subject to intense scrutiny as to whether they have engaged in illicit activities and based on the findings that are usually biased; they can be barred from leaving the country or can even be imprisoned for life. Police have over the time uncovered a huge number of prostitution and slavery rings operating from within Tehran. These groups have sold girls to France, Britain and other European countries. In the northeastern Iranian province of Khorasan, local police have reported that girls are being sold to Pakistani men on a very regular basis as sex slaves. These Pakistani men then marry the girls ranging in age from 12 to 20 so as to operate easily and then sell them to brothels in Pakistan. (Sex slavery: New face of oppression in Iran)

It has of late become a thriving business and an almost unstoppable evil thanks to the indifference and at times participation of the highly placed government officials in Iran. During the reign of President Khatami, women have had a very tough time. A call for a more moderate government has been made many a times, only to fall into deaf ears. So long as the government continues its oppression on women in Iran, criminal groups are bound to have free access to commit more and more crimes without having to fear any formal authority. (Sex slavery: New face of oppression in Iran)

The Women's movement and Shirin Ebadi:

Shirin Ebadi has become a household name among women all across Iran. She holds the rare and prestigious distinction of having become the first women in Iran to have ever won a Nobel Prize. Her efforts in the field of women's rights and her crusade for peace, equality and justice stand as yet unparalleled and truly commendable. She has from time to time opposed the government and its numerous unconstitutional and unacceptable practices aimed at suppressing public opinion and gross violation of fundamental rights of the common people. Having originated from very humble beginnings, she rose to the pinnacle of human civilization and an upholder of the values of Islam and democracy coupled with those of peace, social equality and justice. (Economist.com: Shorn of dignity and Equality - Shirin Ebadi)

Among her remarkable qualities was that of an unending supply of courage to fight out the evil practices of the society and oppose the government and hard line clerics and Ayatollahs wherever and whenever they floundered. As a staunch defender of Islam and its true values of freedom and justice, Shirin Ebadi is of the belief that the oppressive leadership of Iran has misquoted the scared verses and wrongly influenced the social structure of the Islamic republic. In defending Islam and its values that uphold freedom and justice, Ms. Ebadi has written extensively on the deteriorating situation within Iran. Some of her acclaimed works include women's and children's rights under Islamic law. She systematically lost all her cases against the government but managed to survive herself and thus became an acknowledged and popular celebrity. (Economist.com: Shorn of dignity and Equality - Shirin Ebadi) graduate of Law, Shirin Ebadi was a Judge in a court during the reign of Shah Palhavi. Following the Islamic revolution and seizure of power by fanatic Ayatollahs and hard line clerics who saw no role for women in public affairs, she was demoted and made Secretary of the same court she had so long presided over. Disgusted by the appalling development, she resigned and took up to become a lawyer fighting cases of injustice and social activities which had been on the rise since the installation of the new leadership. Thus began a career that greatly influenced the lives of many people, women in particular across the Islamic republic.

On the home grounds she faced increased opposition from various groups that accused her of toeing the American line and opposing her mother land. However, she recognized the dangers involved and continued to strive for total justice and equality. Wherever she witnessed oppression and injustice, she would offer to take up the case in the court struggling to achieve righteousness and truth. She was subsequently imprisoned in the year 2000, but soon released owing to public opinion and a great deal of hue and cry from other women's rights activists. (Economist.com: Shorn of dignity and Equality - Shirin Ebadi)