Jewels of Allah: The Untold Story of Women in Iran

by Nina Ansary

  An unexpected consequence of the last thirty years of Iranian history is that women from all walks of life have come together to advocate for their freedom. While they may not see eye to eye on every issue, those who identify with the more “westernized” Iranian woman ushered in by the Pahlavi monarchy and those who represent the more traditional Muslim woman of the Islamic Republic era have forged a common commitment to democracy and human rights. The emergence of an unwavering feminist movement is due in large part to the fusion of these secular and religious factions.

  In an article written for The Daily Beast, I posed the question, “Can religion evolve?” To some, merely asking this question is blasphemous. But its answer is crucial to addressing the critical question explored throughout this book: can women in Iran be equal? The constant tension defining life in Iran is inherent in these two questions, as are two recent statements by Iranian leaders.

  Elected in 2013, President Hassan Rouhani made campaign pledges of increased social freedoms. Not long ago he stated, “Women should enjoy equal opportunities, security, and social rights.” Yet there have been few gains for the women of Iran because pulling in the opposite direction is Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who holds that the notion of gender equality is one of the West’s biggest mistakes. In fact, the current political climate in Iran does not appear to be encouraging for reformists. The Guardian recently reported that the media in Iran “has been banned from publishing the name or images of Mohammad Khatami, the country’s reformist former president.”70 Since it seems that the majority of Iran’s population identifies with the ideals implanted during the Khatami era, it becomes somewhat obvious that Khatami is perceived as a threat to the regime’s stability. In fact, the prohibition against referring to Khatami in the press underscores the failed ideology of the conservative ruling establishment.

  Iran’s patriarchal society embraces a traditional interpretation of the Koran, which can be read as having a male-centric God who endorses the subjugation of women. Yet feminist activists are seeking new interpretations of the holy texts, embracing a more progressive Allah and a living Koran that may become the means for liberation. Hoping to reinvent the system from within, reformists are reassessing the passages used to oppress women and seeking to elucidate sacred writings in a new light. They believe that the only way women will achieve true reform is through an ideological leap of faith, an evolution of religious scripture. These acts of reinterpretation are nothing short of courageous.

  One person leading the way toward this reformation happens to be a man, Abdolkarim Soroush, who was referenced earlier. A force behind Iran’s pro-democracy movement, Soroush’s reinterpretation of Islamic theology makes room for feminist ideals in religious tenets. According to Soroush, “God manifests himself in each historical period according to the understanding of the people of the era.” He believes the Koran is a human phenomenon, which opens the text for interpretation. This isn’t the first time such a radical redefinition of the Koran has been proposed; more than a century ago, Bibi Khanum Astarbabdi (1858–1921), one of the earliest pioneers of the women’s movement in Iran, questioned the lesser status of Iran’s women, asking “Is this God’s compassionate decree?”

  Women have challenged the doctrine of clerical rule during an era in which religion no longer constitutes the “opiate of the masses.”71 Islam is in transition and religiosity as a moral compass is eroding. While Iranian women were profoundly influential in bringing about the victory of the Islamic Republic, it now appears likely that they, along with Iran’s youth, could be an instrumental force in effecting its dissolution.

  What will it take to make today’s religious leaders embrace spiritual evolution and gender equality? Is it just a matter of time, a question of the world evolving toward equality to the point where Iran’s leaders will have to relent? It is my belief that once the Koran is liberated from the chains of dogma, women’s freedom can follow. An evolved interpretation of religious teaching will allow God to be integral to the liberation of women rather than partner to their oppression.

  In a country ruled by a theocracy, women continue to boldly pursue liberation despite an imposed, antiquated gender ideology. Contrary to all expectations, an unprecedented surge in female literacy persists; women now constitute 60 percent of all university students, and a flourishing feminist movement remains on the horizon. The beauty in this uniquely Iranian movement derives from the fact that it is fueled by women of all social and religious backgrounds. Theirs is a passionate and common cause—a woman’s right to self-determination—and they will not rest until they are granted the divine compassion they deserve.

  Epilogue

  EXEMPLARY WOMEN FROM IRAN

  (in alphabetical order)

  The following are Iranian women whom I highlighted on my Facebook page from March 2014 to May 2015. I would like to acknowledge and celebrate them for their outstanding accomplishments and advocacy on behalf of women’s empowerment.

  Hamideh Abbasali

  In 2014, Abbasali became the first Iranian to win a medal at the World Karate Championships.

  Mahnaz Afkhami

  Iran’s second female minister, Af khami served as Minister for Women’s Affairs (1975–1978) during the reign of Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi.

  Haleh Afshar

  First Iranian woman awarded the OBE (Order of the British Empire) and First Iranian woman formally introduced into the British House of Lords.

  Lily Afshar

  World-renowned, award-winning Iranian classical guitarist and the first woman ever to earn a Doctorate of Music in Guitar Performance.

  Nazanin Afshin-Jam

  A notable public speaker and human-rights activist. In 2007, Afshin-Jam received the Global Citizenship Award from the University of British Columbia, and in 2009 she was honored with the Human Rights Hero Award from UN Watch in Geneva, Switzerland.

  Nazanin Aghakhani

  First female orchestra conductor in Iran.

  Shohreh Aghdashloo

  A prominent stage and screen actress. In 2003, Aghdashloo became the first Iranian woman to be nominated for an Academy Award, and in 2009 she hit another cultural milestone by becoming the first Iranian to win an Emmy from the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.

  Shiva Nazar Ahari

  Notable Iranian journalist, award-winning human-rights activist, and founding member of the Committee of Human Rights Reporters (CHRR). “When your heart trembles for the right of another human. … that is when you become the accused.”

  Haideh (Aida) Ahmadzadeh

  Iran’s first prima ballerina.

  Qurrat al-’ayn (aka Tahirah)

  Tahirah (1817–1852), considered the first suffrage martyr in Iran, was imprisoned for courageously defying societal customs by appearing unveiled in public. Her pioneering spirit is hauntingly captured in a final rendition prior to her strangulation with a silk scarf. “You can kill me as soon as you like, but you cannot stop the emancipation of women.”

  Masih Alinejad

  Iranian activist and award-winning journalist who received the inaugural Women’s Rights Award at the Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy for creating “My Stealthy Freedom” Facebook page, inviting women in Iran to post photos of themselves without their headscarves. “These women need their own platform. They want to express themselves [and] they don’t have any voice inside Iran.”

  Goli Ameri

  First Iranian woman to serve as U.S. Assistant Secretary of State.

  Maryam Amid-Semnani

  Amid-Semnani is considered to be one of the first female journalists in Iran. A leading pioneer of the early women’s movement, Semnani was the founding editor of Shokoufeh (Blossom, 1913), one of the earliest and most influential women’s newspapers in Iran.

  Anousheh Ansari

  In 2006, engineer and entrepreneur Ansari became the first Iranian woman in space. “I hope to inspire everyone, especially young women and young girls… to not give up their dre
ams. …”

  Leila Araghian

  An award-winning architect, Araghian designed Tabiat Bridge (Nature Bridge, 2014), Iran’s largest pedestrian bridge.

  Parvin Ardalan

  Notable Iranian journalist and founding member of the One Million Signature Campaign for Equality was honored in 2007 with Sweden’s Olof Palme Prize. Ardalan dedicated her award to “all those who fight for freedom of expression in Iran.”

  Dr. Marzieh Arfaee

  In 1935, Dr. Arfaee became the first woman to hold the rank of general in the Iranian military.

  Pantea Arteshbod

  Arteshbod (559 B.C.) was one of the all time greatest Persian Commanders of the Achaemenid Empire (550–330 BC). The wife of General Aryasb (Achaemenids Arteshbod), she played a crucial role in keeping law and order in Babylonia after the conquest of the Neo-Babylonian Empire in 547 B.C. by Cyrus the Great.

  Nafas Asnavandi

  Three-year-old Iranian girl who is the first child in Iran to join Mensa, the largest and oldest IQ society in the world.

  Golnar Bakhtiar

  Iran’s most famous female equestrian competed in seventeen national and international competitions. In 1977, Bakhtiar broke the Iranian record by clearing a wall at 2.05 meters.

  Rakhshan Bani-Etemad

  Referred to as the “First Lady of Iranian Cinema,” internationally acclaimed director and screenwriter Bani-Etemad’s unique cinematic style captures the bitter realities of a suffocating atmosphere for women in post-revolutionary Iran.

  Dr. Ta’lat Basari

  In 1965, Dr. Basari became the first female vice-chancellor of an Iranian university. She held this post at the Jundishapur University in Ahwaz.

  Simin Behbahani

  Referred to as the “Lioness of Iran,” this two-time Nobel nominee and recipient of numerous accolades and awards is considered the greatest living female poet and one of the most celebrated figures of modern Persian literature.

  Nazanin Boniadi

  Prominent Iranian actress, award-winning women’s rights activist and official spokesperson for Amnesty International USA, focusing on the unjust conviction and treatment of Iranian women, youth and prisoners of conscience.

  Sissy Cambis

  Cambis (381 BC) was the Empress of Persia and mother of Darius III, the last king of the Achaemenid Empire (336–330 BC). A remarkable Achaemenid noblewoman, she valiantly fought, resisted, and did not surrender to Alexander of Macedonia.

  Simin Daneshvar

  Daneshvar (1921–2012) was widely regarded as Iran’s premier female novelist and the first woman in Iran to publish her collection of short stories. “I wish the world was run by women. Women who have given birth and know the value of their creation.”

  Dr. Parvin Darabi

  Born in 1941, Dr. Darabi was Iran’s first female Ph.D. in Electronics.

  Iran Darroudi

  Darroudi is considered one of the most renowned contemporary Iranian painters. Darroudi, who studied at École des Beaux-Arts and École du Louvre in Paris, cultivated a unique style that merged elements of Western surrealism with Eastern mysticism. “I have learned the culture of today’s painting in France, but I am rooted in my fatherland’s culture.”

  Sussan Deyhim

  Internationally renowned Iranian composer, vocalist and performance artist. Cited as “one of Iran’s most potent voices living in exile,” Deyhim has an elastic musical approach blurs the boundaries between various vocal traditions.

  Azad Deylami

  Female guerrilla commander (751 AD), considered to be the symbol of Persian resistance against forced religion by the Arab invaders.

  Sadiqeh Dowlatabadi

  Persian feminist activist, journalist and one of the pioneering figures in the women’s movement in Iran. In 1918, Dowlatabadi opened the first school for girls in Isfahan, Iran. “I will never forgive anyone who visits my grave veiled.”

  Mehrangiz Dowlatshahi

  In 1976, social activist and politician Dowlatshahi (1919–2008) became Iran’s first female diplomat when she was appointed ambassador to Denmark.

  Sibel Edmonds

  A former FBI agent and founder of the National Security Whistleblowers Coalition (NSWBC). Edmonds is considered the “most classified woman in the U.S.” after discovering serious security breaches, cover-ups, and intentional blocking of intelligence.

  Dr. Haleh Esfandiari

  A feminist scholar and the Director of the Middle East Program at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington, DC. In 2007, she endured four months in solitary confinement in Tehran’s Evin Prison. “Iranians want evolution not revolution.”

  Isabelle Eshraghi

  Internationally acclaimed award-winning Iranian photographer, Eshraghi rediscovers her roots in Isfahan, Iran, through a photographic lens. “My photographs interrogate my roots and question the condition of Iranian culture.”

  Yasmin Fahimi

  In 2014, Fahimi became the first Iranian woman Secretary General of the Social Democratic Party of Germany.

  Sattareh Farman Farmaian

  Widely regarded as the “mother of social work” after establishing the Tehran School of Social Work in 1958. This institution was the first of its kind in Iran.

  Zohreh Malileh Farshid

  In 1974 Farshid, Iran’s youngest female architect, designed the Ahwaz Sports Complex.

  Forough Farrokhzad

  Widely regarded as one of the most influential female poets of 20th century Iran, Farrokhzad was a brilliant modernist and iconoclast who broke new ground with her strong feminist voice criticizing social taboos including love, lust and sexuality.

  Shirin Gerami

  Iran’s first female triathlete made history in 2013 by competing in the World Triathlon Championships in London.

  Shadi Ghadirian

  Photographer Ghadirian’s stunning images document the challenges faced by women in Iran trapped between tradition and modernity. Ghadirian’s work is represented in numerous major public collections, including the British Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

  Roya Hakakian

  Acclaimed Iranian author and founding member of the Iran Human Rights Documentation Center. Recipient of the 2008 Guggenheim Fellowship, Hakakian has been highlighted among the “20 most important activists, academics, and journalists of our generation.”

  Kiana Hayeri

  In her 2012 project, “Your Veil Is a Battleground,” twenty-six-year-old Iranian-born documentary photographer Hayeri captures the dual lives of a new generation of young women in Iran. “Everything that is banned by the government is being practiced, but behind closed doors.”

  Iradabama

  Iradabama (488 BC): Highly successful Persian businesswoman, most notable for running a flourishing wine and grain business that employed a large workforce during the reign of Xerxes the Great.

  Sarvar Kaboli

  Kaboli in a performance of Cinderella by the Iranian National Ballet Company, Roudaki Opera House, Tehran c. 1970s.

  Sheema Kalbasi

  Award-winning Iranian poet, human-rights activist, and documentary filmmaker. One of the few literary figures to promote poets of Iranian heritage, Kalbasi’s work is distinguished by her passionate defense of ethnic and religious minorities.

  Marjan Kalhor

  Alpine skier and the first Iranian woman in Winter Olympics history. Leading her country at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics Opening Ceremony, Kalhor stated,“I want women to know if they want to, they can. I want them to know it is possible.”

  Tara Kamangar

  World-class Iranian composer and classical pianist. A graduate of Harvard University and London’s Royal Academy of Music, Kamangar is renowned for her diverse repertoire, ranging from classical to rarely-heard works by Iranian composers of the past.

  Farah Karimi

  In 1998, Karimi became the first Iranian woman elected to the Dutch Parliament.

  Mahtab
Keramati

  In 2006, acclaimed Iranian actress Keramati was appointed UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. Keramati has since taken part in the launch of the Global Campaign on Children and AIDS, and more recently chaired a debate on Iranian Women’s Day.

  Maryam Keshavarz

  Critically acclaimed Iranian filmmaker whose 2011 narrative feature Circumstance received over a dozen awards, including Best Film at the Rome Film Festival and the coveted Sundance Film Festival Audience Award. “In Iran, anything illegal becomes politically subversive.”

  Najmeh Khedmati

  In 2014, eighteen-year-old Iranian female sport shooter Khedmati won the Gold Medal at the Women’s 10m Air Rifle shooting competition at the Asian Games.

  Noushin Ahmadi Khorasani

  Notable Iranian journalist, women’s rights activist and founding member of the One Million Signature Campaign for Equality. “For me the struggle for equality is life itself.”

  Lady Ninjas of Iran

  Ninjutsu, a Japanese martial sport, is fast becoming a popular activity with women in Iran, where thousands currently practice in over twenty-two provinces.

  Shahla Lahiji

  As the founder of prominent publishing house Roshangaran Press (1985), Lahiji was the first Iranian woman to secure a publisher’s license in her own name.