A glance at Article 5 of the National Council of Resistance of Iran’s Plan for Women’s Rights and Freedoms
Article 5 of the National Council of Resistance of Iran’s Plan for Women’s Rights and Freedoms underscores the unhindered access to educational, sports, and artistic facilities for women and girls, as well as their unrestricted participation in competitions and activities.
This provision raises a crucial question: Why is such a fundamental right, which is taken for granted in many parts of the world, a matter of debate in Iran?
Despite the absence of explicit legal barriers to women’s education, the patriarchal regime in Iran imposes severe restrictions, rooted in its inherent misogyny. The stark reality is that opportunities for education, sports, and the arts are scarce due to the systematic plundering of the nation’s wealth, affecting all citizens, but disproportionately impacting girls.
Early Marriage and Education Disruption
The regime’s civil law (Article 1401) sets the legal marriage age for girls at just 13, leading to premature school dropouts, domestic responsibilities, and early motherhood. Economic hardships and remote school locations further exacerbate the issue, making girls’ education the primary casualty of poverty.
Systemic Inequality and Obstacles
The regime’s bias against female education manifests in injustices during national exams and university admissions. Even after achieving higher education, women face numerous hurdles, effectively barring them from progressing in their careers.
Alarming Statistics Highlight Educational Disparity
Experts link the rising dropout rates among girls to escalating poverty levels. Demographer Shahla Kazemipour revealed a staggering 30% high school dropout rate among girls. The Ministry of Education reported 621,000 high school dropouts last year, while on March 16, 2024, the ROKNA news agency noted 466,995 unemployed female graduates in fall 2023. Additionally, 50% of girls in border regions lack access to education, as stated by the regime’s Deputy Minister of Education for the elementary level.
Confronting Extra-Legal Theories Regarding Girls’ Education
The Iranian regime, led by the mullahs, exploits legal gaps to suppress women’s education and infringe upon their basic social rights. High-ranking clerics issue misogynistic fatwas that perpetuate gender inequality. Let’s delve into some of these challenges:
- Jafar Sobhani’s Controversial Stance (May 2014): Jafar Sobhani, a member of the Assembly of Experts, controversially argued that not all girls should pursue university education. He claimed that focusing on family responsibilities—such as caring for children and a husband—was a more valuable service for women. This viewpoint perpetuates traditional gender roles and undermines educational opportunities.
- Ahmad Jannati’s Surprising Concern (December 2008): Ahmad Jannati, head of the Guardian Council expressed surprise at the impact of women’s education on marriage proposals. He highlighted that women often inquire their suitors about their educational background. This reveals the deep-rooted biases surrounding women’s education and its perceived implications.
Marginalization of Women in Sports
While official laws in Iran do not explicitly oppose women’s participation in sports, practical obstacles persist due to mandatory hijab rules and gender segregation. Here are some notable instances:
- Champion Sara Khadem al-Sharia’s Struggle: Female athletes face challenges when it comes to mandatory hijab. Sara-sadat Khadem-o Shari’eh (Sara Khadem), a chess champion, chose to leave her sport rather than compromise her principles by wearing the hijab during competitions.
- Media Censorship and Gender Bias: State television often avoids broadcasting women’s sports competitions, perpetuating gender discrimination. International events featuring female athletes—such as soccer and futsal—are rarely shown. This censorship reinforces the notion that women’s achievements are less significant.
- Stadium Ban for Women: Iranian women and girls are barred from attending soccer matches in stadiums. Recently, the Iran Soccer League Organization prohibited women from watching the match between Aluminum and Persepolis teams in Markazi Province. This restriction denies them the right to enjoy sports events firsthand.
Suppression of Women in Art and Music
The regime’s extra-legal restrictions extend to the realms of art, music, and singing. Here are two illustrative examples:
- Ali Khamenei’s Fatwa Against Women Singing (2020): The mullahs’ Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei reiterated the prohibition on women singing. His fatwa discourages listening to female singers, reinforcing gender-based limitations. This stifles artistic expression and perpetuates discrimination. (The state-run Tasnim news agency, July 14, 2020)
- Persecution of Artists:
- Glaris Music Group: Security forces summoned and arrested two singers from the Glaris music group in Kermanshah. Their “crime” was participating in a promotional video for a furniture store. This incident highlights the regime’s intolerance toward artistic freedom. (The state-run Khabaronline.ir, January 17, 2021)
- Ashqin Emami: A writer and singer of Azerbaijani music, Ashqin Emami faced an attack by security forces on May 4, 2024. Her house was searched, and her personal belongings were confiscated. Such actions suppress creativity and silence dissenting voices.
