The perspectives of Iranian Feminists and Women Activists on Gender Equality in Iran

This paper explores the perspectives of Iranian women involved in women’s activism and policymaking in Iran on gender equality and gender justice. The study draws on 47 in-depth semi-structured interviews through an explanatory approach. Participants in this study included women’s activists, whose points of reference is the Islamic teaching, as well as those women activists who consider women’s rights outside the framework of religion. The Iranian political leaders do not accept equality between men and women, and their gendered policies have limited the activities of feminists and women activists. Key findings demonstrate that participants take different positions in the conceptualization of gender equality and gender justice and that there is a strong link between women’s political and social position, self-identification and the terminology they use to advocate for women’s autonomy and calling for change.