After the 1979 Islamic revolution of Iran, there are many criticisms of the situation of Iranian women in the Western media, but in this article, an attempt has been made to point out the rights of women in the Islamic Republic of Iran with a realistic view.
In order to explain the social situation of Iranian women, their situation should be examined in two periods before and after the 1979 Islamic revolution, because psychologically, "each person should be compared with his past and not with another".
Accordingly, Eastern and Asian women in Islamic countries should be compared with their own past, not with the status of women in Western countries.
Before the Islamic Revolution in Iran, societal norms and religious traditions played a significant role in shaping the lives of Iranian women.
Driven by these traditional values, many girls were discouraged from pursuing higher education and professional careers. Families often preferred that women stay within the confines of their homes, a choice influenced by both environmental factors and opposition to the hijab – the Islamic veil.
Contrary to many Western criticisms, the post-revolution period has witnessed remarkable progress in the lives of Iranian women. One remarkable example of this is the significant increase in female enrolment in universities and their employment rates.
In the 1980s, Iran's female university enrolment rate outpaced that of Turkey, reflecting an Islamic society that encouraged women's educational empowerment.
The transformation in women's social status in Iran has been primarily driven by internal dynamics rather than external influences. This is exemplified by the government's decision to increase women's representation in leadership roles by 30 per cent.
Women's rights in Iran are enshrined in the Charter of Women's Rights and Responsibilities in the Islamic Republic of Iran, covering a wide range of areas, including health, culture, economics, politics and legal rights.
Iranian women have excelled in various fields post-revolution. Their accomplishments range from cultural contributions to significant advancements in sports, entrepreneurship and sciences. Iranian women have also seen success in international arenas, including diplomacy. This progress has often gone unnoticed in Western media, overshadowed by the focus on similar reforms in other nations.
Hijab, the Islamic practice of modesty in dress, is a prominent subject of discussion in contemporary Iran. However, Iran reminds that hijab has been a part of Iranian culture and tradition since ancient times.
Recent surveys suggest that the majority of Iranian women continue to embrace the hijab voluntarily, with around 75 per cent of them supporting its observance. These numbers emphasise the importance of considering internal cultural values when assessing the role of hijab in Iranian society.
One critical finding is the discrepancy between the perception of hijab in Iran and the actual reality.
While more than 80 per cent of people in Iran believe in the importance of hijab, about 68 per cent feel that most of their fellow citizens oppose it. This stark contrast between perception and reality illustrates the impact of cognitive warfare and subjective interpretations in shaping public discourse. Western influences often exaggerate the perceived challenges associated with hijab.
In conclusion, the social status of women in Iran reflects a unique journey marked by internal dynamics and evolving cultural values. While external perceptions may focus on specific issues like hijab, it is essential to consider the broader picture of women's achievements and the progress they have made in various aspects of society.
Iranian women's experiences and their roles in the nation's development provide a valuable perspective that transcends media narratives and political agendas.
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