The Evolution of Women's Rights in Iran

Over the past 46 years, Iran has undergone change; substantial change that will impact the lives of women for generations to come. The ones who have been at the forefront of this challenge are women. Islamic extremism and religion have created a substantial shift in the lives of women over the past half century. As time has gone on, more women have protested, leading to an increased resistance. Prior to the Iranian Revolution of 1979, Iranian women experienced increased liberties and freedoms. However, with the rise of Khomeini, their freedoms were increasingly replaced with expectations as to how they should dress, behave, and live. While their efforts led to the election of the next president of Iran for the next 8 years, the efforts of Iranian women secured increased liberties and freedoms for a time, only to be renounced thereafter by successive presidents. The question that then remains, is, “What role did the Iranian regime and government have in the lives of women?”