The Islamic Revolution and Women's Role (Part 1)

The Islamic Revolution triumphed in Iran on 22nd Bahman (Feb. 11, 1979), under the leadership of Imam Khomeini and participated by the overwhelming majority of people. The revolution paved the way for establishment of the Islamic Republic Government. All people took part in the revolution, and women played a vital role there.

Women have devotedly played a crucial role in the Islamic Revolution by uncovering the enemies' conspiracies and have been a firm support for the society. They have been as active as men in all arenas and have contributed to the growth of the Islamic Revolution. In some cases, they have involved in much more important, active roles than men. They have been fighting not only directly but also indirectly by encouraging their husbands and children. They have been responsible in bringing up some strong, pious children to present the Islamic society, which has always been critical to the Islamic Revolution.

Imam Khomeini used to say, «In the revolution, women have more rights than men. »

Here you will read a brief but useful article once published in Tehran Times on the different aspects of Islamic Revolution of Iran.

Participation in Political Processes

The extents of women's participation in the political processes of a country, or the activities women undertake to achieve political objectives, are characterized by a society's prevailing socio-economic status and its cultural norms and values. The lack of interest on the part of many women in political affairs does not necessarily reflect the existence of inequality between men and women in a given society. In fact, absence of women's participation in politics derives from a set of complex historical and social factors as well as from their own particular position in society. Nearly all modern nation-states of the world recognize equal rights for men and women in their respective constitutions. Nevertheless, there are only a limited number of women who are high ranking officials or hold political offices.

Women's participation in political processes in the Islamic Republic of Iran can be evaluated at two distinct levels: mass participation and elite participation.

Political Participation at the Mass Level

Political participation of women at the mass level has been exhibited in the process of the Islamic Revolution, in national elections, in the mobilization of war-time resources, in demonstrations and marches to show opposition to, or support for, different issues and in group meetings and associations.

Iranian women's efforts in the mobilization of the economy during the eight-year imposed war remain a prominent example of political participation on the part of women. Their tireless efforts behind the front-lines, their financial donations and personal sacrifices as well as the encouragement they gave to the public to partake directly and indirectly in the defense of the homeland helped in the reversal of the tide of aggression. Women's mobilization units, which were established in mosques and government organizations and factories in 1981, are still active in the implementation of the country's reconstruction programs and economic development as well as in areas of training, education, research, sports and arts.

Political Participation at the Elite Level

At the elite level, women's participation and activities have extended into the domains of the legislative, executive and judiciary branches as described later.

* Source: mahjubah magazine