Women's Rights in Iran Taking a Slow but Important Turnaround
John Johnston
September 18, 2008
10:00AM
In Iran, the status quo for women is drastically low. Unfortunately, women still do not have the equal rights and protection under laws that many women now do. This is exemplified in the most recent case where women are being detained, and jailed for six months, for advocating women's rights and protesting their inequality in daily life. Parvin Aldaran, which happened to be one of the women jailed, was detained in Tehran while she was on her way to pick up the Olof Palme Prize for her roles in change. Women everywhere are facing this harsh treatment, as Islamic law for women is still enforced, making all women dress "modestly". Polygamy and honor killings are still allowed, although not encouraged, do happen and the punishments for those doing these horrendous activities is very little. The women in Iran can hold to one small shred of hope, a bill that would allow second marriage without the consent of the first wife was sent back to be further discussed. A small victory in a nationwide battle, but it's a turn for the best.
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My reaction to this was a little shocked, and a little indifferent. We all know about the Islamic dress code, no matter how silly we think it is. But just this one little symbol of power (to the man), speaks louder than words ever could. Why is it that these customs and traditions, those of unequal rights for women, can still exist in a world where we have far developed countries with equal rights for all. It doesn't make sense and it's disgusting. However, hope should not be abandoned, because for these Iranians, this small victory means magnitudes for the women of Iran. If by protesting and getting signatures means a little more voice in the nation and government, then go for it. All is not lost, and as long as women do not give in and succumb to the powers of the state, victory is imminent.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7600670.stm
1 comment:
Yes, I think the turn around is moving slow in our eyes but to Iranian women they are improving drastically in what they will do to get some rights and I say all the more power to them!!
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