Women and Iran

Paper Summary:

This paper examines how Iran has, for a long time, been a traditionally conservative nation based on the teachings of Islam. For a brief period, though, there was a prospect of change and liberalization under the visionary rule of the last Shah. With the ruthless onslaught of the Islamic revolution in the year 1979, hardcore fundamentalists seized power and changed the fate of the nation, diminishing all forms of development in all spheres. It looks at how women have long been the subject of oppression and subjugation in the Islamic republic and how, for their part, women have battled the injustice meted out against them. Women's rights activism in Iran dates back to the 1850s, which saw women reformers campaign for changes and social standing.

Outline
Introduction
Women's Movements in Iran A Brief History
The Role of Women During the Pahlavi Reign
The Islamic Revolution and the Role of Women Since
The Problem of Sex Slavery in Iran
The Women's Movement and Shirin Ebadi
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"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."

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