H.I.M. Farah Pahlavi's Message - May 8, 2000
In memory of Mrs. Farrokhrou Parsa executed on May 8,
1980.
Also read the "Ferdowsi Review" in honor of Dr. Parsa's and her
many contributions.
Above link thanks to Mr. Ardalan Onsori, founder of the "Shahnameh
Society".
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Who was Dr. Forokhrou Parsa?
Anniversary of the death of a brave woman - SMCCDI Cultural
CommitteeMay 18, 2000 -
Twenty one year ago, today, the executioners of the Islamic regime took the life an
Iranian woman, known for her courage, integrity and effort in the promotion of education
for Iranian women.Dr. Forokhrou Parsa who was a medical doctor was the first Iranian woman
who became a deputy and later Minister of Education. Her mother was the founder of
the first Iranian journal for women. Rich in her background, Dr. Parsa began a
relentless battle in the liberalization of Iranian women. During her tenure as the
Minister of education, Millions of female students attended universities and schools and
enjoyed the same rights as their male counterparts. After the fall of the Imperial regime
in 1979, Dr. Parsa was accused of corrupting women with Western ideas and values, a charge
she vehemently denied. Mrs. Parsa was asked for forgiveness which she refused saying that
as a medical doctor the suffering from death is only but a few minutes but as a free
Iranian woman she would rather die than accept humiliation. In reaction to her statement,
she was put in a white shroud (kafan) and put to death in the most savage way, a criminal
act amongst the many crimes committed by the IRI authorities. Dr. Parsa's legacy as a
courageous woman is an example to all Iranians and especially the women of Iran who have
stood firm against the abuses of the regime in every arena. On the eve of the anniversary
of her murder, the SMCCDI gives its deepest condolences to her family and the Iranian
people. Today, her memory remains in the hearts and minds of thousands of Iranian
women.God bless her soul. The "Student Movement Coordination Committee for Democracy
in Iran"
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