Women in the 2009 Iranian Election

The primary media focus on Iran’s 2009 election centers on the June protests, deemed the “biggest unrest since the 1979 revolution,” and centered around protests against Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s reelection. What was then overlooked was the presence of women’s rights and CEDAW in the array of presidential candidates, surprising considering Iran is one of the 7 nations yet to ratify the Convention.

President Ahmadinejad’s position on women remains conservative, promoting women in traditional roles. His administration renamed the Center for Women’s Participation to the Center for Women and Families, and adopted the Social Safety program which emphasizes traditional dress and restricts women’s education, as well as proposed provisions to the Family Support Bill (which have since been removed) to lesson restrictions on polygamy and tax the Mehrieh, money paid to women as specified in their marriage contract.

Mohsen Rezaee also maintained conservative views, emphasizing traditional roles of women, especially as housewives. He insisted steps would be taken to ensure equality of women for society, simultaneously assuring that salaries and insurance would be provided to housewives in Iran. Rezaee also declared pursuit of policies to balance familial responsibilities between men and women, promote women’s organizations, and encourage fair distribution of opportunities across realms for women.

Mehdi Karoubi’s stance on women and civil rights included the need to revise discriminatory laws and include women in governmental and state decisions in positions such as ministers and on the council of experts.  Karoubi specifically urged signing onto CEDAW, in addition to including articles in the Iranian constitution to support women’s rights. He also noted the importance of housewives in social structure, but also emphasized the importance of educational opportunities and access for women.

Karoubi’s progressive stance on human rights, and specifically women’s rights, aligns with Mirhossein Mousavi’s position as the primary challenger to Ahmadinejad. Mousavi released detailed policy initiatives to adopt as President which included reviewing discriminatory laws and reversing restrictions on women’s opportunities for education implemented by Ahmadinejad. Mousavi also encouraged ratifying CEDAW, though with reservations to “ensure that it is in line with Islamic and cultural values.”

2009 marks the first time women’s rights were discussed in such detail during an election. To read more, and read about several other trends in the electoral process in regards to women, check out this article.

Post by Hannah.

Ardalan, Davar I. "Iranian Women Demand Change." NPR, 5 June 2009. Web. <http://www.npr.org/blogs/sundaysoapbox/2009/06/women_rights_factors_in_irans.html>.

"Poll Results Prompt Iran Protests." AJE - Al Jazeera English. 14 June 2009. Web. <http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2009/06/2009613172130303995.html>.