A glance at the National Council of Resistance of Iran’s Plan for Women’s Rights and Freedoms
The right to social and political activity without needing another’s permission, as well as the freedom to commute and travel independently, is a fundamental human right enshrined in the third article of the NCRI plan on women’s rights and freedoms in a free Iran. This plan, unanimously approved by the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) in 1987, highlights the ongoing fight for women’s rights in a country where such freedoms are severely restricted.
Context and Significance
For many women and girls in European and American countries, the idea of needing permission to engage in political or social activities, or to travel, is inconceivable. However, in Iran, the regime has systematically imposed barriers and obstacles in the name of religion and Islam, severely restricting women’s progress and development. These rights, commonplace in many parts of the world, remain a distant dream for Iranian women. The NCRI has made it a priority to realize these freedoms following the overthrow of the current regime.
Political Activity and Repression
Under the current regime, Iranian women face extreme repression when attempting to engage in political activities. Women who voice opposition to the regime face imprisonment, torture, and even death. The tragic cases of 16-year-old Nika Shakrami, Taraneh Mousavi, and many others highlight the brutal treatment of female activists. The regime uses such violence to intimidate other women into silence, pushing them into the confines of their homes.
The Iranian Resistance movement and its pivotal force, the PMOI, have paid a heavy price, with 120,000 martyrs, many of whom were women and girls, highlighting the severe restrictions on political activities for women in Iran.
Legal Barriers to Women’s Social Activity
The regime employs legal and governmental tools to marginalize women. For instance, Article 1105 of the Civil Code designates the husband as the head of the family, while Article 1117 allows him to prohibit his wife from working if it conflicts with family interests or dignity. Additionally, the Passport Law requires married women to obtain written consent from their husbands to obtain a passport and even allows husbands to retract this consent after it has been given.
According to paragraph 3 of Article 18 of the Passport Law, when a woman is not married, she should obtain permission from her father or grandfather to depart the country.
Married women who want to participate in the Dental Assistant Exam need to present the consent of their husbands. The husband must sign a written commitment according to which he agrees that his wife serves in any place the Health Ministry designates after the completion of her educational term. (The state-run Daily Etemad, April 10, 2020)
Personal Stories of Suppression
These oppressive laws have real and devastating impacts on women’s lives. For example, in October 2020, a female emergency doctor in Tehran was banned from practicing medicine due to her husband’s complaint. Similarly, Samira Zargari, head coach of the national alpine skiing team, was prevented from traveling to a competition in Italy by her husband. Other notable cases include footballer Nilofar Ardalan and Olympic flag bearer Zahra Nemati, both of whom were barred from leaving the country by their husbands. (Sources: Etemad Daily – May 11, 2022, ISNA – November 2, 2022, Khabar Fori – October 12, 2020, Sharq Daily – February 17, 2021)
Restrictions in Music and Arts
Women’s participation in music and arts is also heavily restricted. In 2019, a new fatwa from Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei reaffirmed the prohibition on women singing. Female musicians face constant harassment and are often banned from performing. For instance, members of the women’s music group Glaris were detained for participating in a promotional video, and young soloist Mahdis Ebrahimian had her performance canceled solely because she was female. (Sources: Khabar Online – January 17, 2021, ILNA – July 4, 2020)
Conclusion
The restrictions faced by Iranian women are vast and pervasive, affecting every aspect of their lives. However, the resilience and determination of these women, epitomized by the slogan “women, resistance, freedom,” demonstrate their crucial role in the liberation struggle. By challenging the repressive regime, Iranian women are paving the way for a future where their rights and freedoms are fully realized.
