DAILY AGENDA

A few facts about women in Iran

Click to see the "Farah Roses"

In Iran, before the advent of Reza Shah Pahlavi (1925-1941), women had few rights and their participation in daily life was rather limited. As Empress of Iran, Farah Pahlavi made it her mission to be the ideal wife, mother and a devoted consort who faithfully performed her royal duties. Thus she proved that women could simultaneously have careers and be homemakers. The great success she had in improving the status of women benefited the majority of Iranian women. Her purpose was to give them confidence and courage, in order to raise themselves above and out of their exclusion. Though she was the First Lady of the country, she considered her "importance to be measured only by the practical effect of what I accomplished for the improvement of our people." She said: "It was hard to forget that, as a woman, my position was a delicate one. We were in a country where tradition was strong, in which many men could not not yet accept unreservedly the same freedoms for women which they considered perfectly natural for themselves."

Empress Farah was considered by many to be the representative of female emancipation in Iran, and worked hard to fulfill that objective. In a recent interview she said: "My strength, the power I wielded was, in one way or another, passed on to all Iranian women. During our time my Iranian sisters, formerly regarded as second class citizens, without the right to be heard, became more vocal and aware of their rights." The fact that the King had granted them political and social rights including universal suffrage paved the way for a great social change. There was some resistance to this, especially from the religious establishment and its implementation varied from region to region. It was in this sphere, above all, that she used every means at her disposal to encourage change. Farah Pahlavi stresses that "although Iranian women have suffered many injustices, they have always managed to preserve their strength of character. Even if only indirectly, throughout history they have been influential behind the scenes." This can best be seen through their demeanor. People who have been humiliated and oppressed do not stand upright. "To me, the evolution of Iran was measurable by the manner in which people carried themselves. During my husband’s reign people regained their national pride and walked with their heads held high. For me, that was the barometer of change and development."’
"I tried hard to support my husband in achieving his dreams and vision for Iran. There were so many objectives yet to attain and so many unfinished projects, but tragically we were not given the time.  Today, I look forward to the moment when I shall truly be at peace in this long, painful exile. To achieve that requires much strength and effort. The journey is not an easy one and it needs optimism and hope."

The Empress concludes: "Amidst renewed sufferings, our people continue the long and arduous struggle for freedom, and my earnest wish is that they will succeed in bringing forth a democratic Iran based upon her rich heritage, culture and tradition. To them, and to all my compatriots, I dedicate this site.