ABSTRACT
It is generally believed, by Iranians as well as non-Iranians, that the present theocratic regime in Iran has total control over the women in that country. Some even say that the ruling religious establishment has taken the status of women completely backwards. It is the contention of this chapter that there are certain social forces in support of increased power and status for Iranian women which are beyond the control of the present rulers of Iran. Although in some situations the Iranian religious leaders have reluctantly adjusted their rule to these forces, in others the battle continues. The objective of this chapter is two-fold. First, to show that, on balance, the status of Iranian women has improved since the turn of the century, in spite of discrimination by the Islamic regime since 1979. Secondly, to discuss the factors responsible for this situation.
