Iran’s Past and Present: A Tale of Women’s Rights and Struggles
Iran was once considered one of the most progressive countries in the Middle East when it came to women’s rights. However, everything changed dramatically after the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Under the leadership of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, an Islamic government was established, and women’s lives saw drastic transformations.
The Pahlavi Era: A Period of Progress
Before Khomeini’s rise to power, Iran experienced a golden age of women’s emancipation. During the reign of Reza Shah Pahlavi (1925-1941) and later his son Mohammad Reza Pahlavi (1941-1979), women’s rights saw continuous improvement. In 1963, the “White Revolution” granted women the right to vote, and they gained access to both government and private-sector jobs.
By the mid-1970s, women comprised a significant portion of university students, pursuing careers in medicine, law, and engineering. Women also made a name for themselves in journalism, literature, the arts, and politics. There were no mandatory dress codes, and women had the freedom to choose whether or not to wear the hijab. Family laws were progressive, granting women more rights in marriage, divorce, and child custody. Polygamy was discouraged, and new laws were introduced to protect women’s rights.
The 1979 Revolution and Its Aftermath
The 1979 Islamic Revolution led to a radical shift in Iran’s political and social structure. Khomeini’s government implemented Sharia law as the foundation of the state, severely affecting women’s rights.
By the early 1980s, a mandatory hijab law was enforced, requiring women to cover their heads and bodies at all times. Non-compliance resulted in punishments ranging from fines to imprisonment. While women were still allowed access to education, certain academic and professional fields became restricted. Employment opportunities were reduced, particularly in positions that required interaction with men.
Laws were altered to favor men:
- A woman’s testimony in court was considered less valuable than a man’s.
- Inheritance laws were changed to ensure that men received a larger share than women.
- Marriage and divorce laws gave men nearly complete control.
- Women were no longer allowed to travel abroad without a male guardian’s permission.
- Women’s participation in entertainment and cultural activities was strictly regulated.
Despite these setbacks, Iranian women did not remain silent. Over the years, they have continued to resist oppression.
Protests and Resistance: Women Fighting Back
Iranian women have demonstrated incredible resilience despite oppressive laws. One of the most notable moments in their struggle for freedom was the “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement in 2022, sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini. Amini, a young Kurdish woman, was arrested by the morality police for allegedly wearing her hijab improperly. Her death in custody ignited massive protests across Iran, gaining global attention.
Women took to the streets, publicly removing and burning their hijabs in defiance of the compulsory dress code. These protests extended beyond the hijab issue, demanding broader social and political reforms. Many women were arrested, imprisoned, or even executed for participating in these demonstrations. Despite brutal crackdowns, the movement led to the government loosening some restrictions on hijab enforcement.
The 2017 “White Wednesdays” movement also played a key role in challenging hijab laws. Women wore white headscarves or removed their hijabs in public spaces every Wednesday in peaceful protest against the mandatory hijab law.
Iran’s fight for women’s rights has been ongoing for decades. Women’s activism in Iran is now closely linked to the push for democracy and secular governance. Their struggle serves as an inspiration worldwide.
Parallels Between Iran and Bangladesh
In recent years, concerns have been raised about a possible shift toward Islamic fundamentalism in Bangladesh. Women’s rights in Bangladesh have improved significantly in recent decades due to strong government policies, international support, and grassroots activism. Female literacy rates have risen, and women now participate more in the workforce, particularly in the garment industry, healthcare, education, and government. Women have also made significant strides in politics, business, and entrepreneurship.
Laws such as the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act and the Domestic Violence Prevention Act have been implemented to ensure women’s safety. However, challenges remain. Women still face social and religious pressures regarding dress codes, and incidents of harassment and gender-based violence are increasing.
The Risk of Sharia Law in Bangladesh
If Bangladesh were to fully implement Sharia law, the consequences for women could be severe. Based on experiences in Iran and Afghanistan, such a transition could lead to:
- Legal Discrimination: Women’s testimonies may be devalued in court.
- Marriage and Divorce Restrictions: Men would have more control over marriage and divorce proceedings, making it difficult for women to seek separation.
- Inheritance Inequality: Women would inherit significantly less than men.
- Dress Code Enforcement: Hijab or burqa could become mandatory.
- Travel Restrictions: Women may require a male guardian’s permission to travel abroad.
- Workplace Segregation: Restrictions could be placed on women working alongside men.
- Education Limitations: Women may face restrictions in higher education and professional fields.
- Increased Polygamy: Men could be legally allowed multiple wives, making women more vulnerable to financial and emotional instability.
These potential changes would set back decades of progress in Bangladesh, limiting women’s freedoms and economic independence.
A Call to Awareness and Action
The growing influence of conservative religious ideologies in Bangladesh is a cause for concern. The experiences of Iran and Afghanistan should serve as a warning. Under Taliban rule, Afghan women face extreme restrictions—girls above the age of 12 are banned from attending school, women are prohibited from working, and they must wear full-body coverings in public. The international community continues to condemn these policies, but many governments have begun normalizing diplomatic relations with the Taliban, prioritizing economic interests over human rights.
Bangladeshi citizens must stay informed about the potential consequences of implementing Sharia law. Women’s rights and freedom are not just legal issues but fundamental aspects of a progressive and prosperous society. The responsibility falls on everyone—activists, policymakers, and ordinary citizens—to ensure that Bangladesh does not follow the same path as Iran or Afghanistan.
Women’s independence in Bangladesh has been hard-earned through years of struggle. Losing these rights would not only be a setback for women but for the entire nation. The question remains: Will Bangladesh choose progress or regression?
Written by: Tanjia Rahman
Feminist Writer & Activist
Date: April 4, 2025
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