Iran's Pioneering Women: Parliamentarians Of The 1970s

Jackie Quigley DVM 20 Jun 2025

Close your eyes and picture a woman walking the streets of Tehran in the early 1970s. Her hair is perfectly coiffed, maybe in a beehive or a feathered blowout. She might be a professional, heading to her office, or perhaps an activist, involved in one of the many burgeoning women's rights organizations. This vivid image captures a reality that often surprises those unfamiliar with Iran's history before 1979: a nation where women were increasingly visible, active, and influential across various sectors of society, including the highest echelons of political power. The era of the 1970s, in particular, marked a significant peak in the representation and societal integration of Iranian women, culminating in an impressive number of female parliamentarians and women holding key public offices.

This period stands in stark contrast to the post-1979 landscape, where the Islamic Revolution brought seismic changes to Iran, not least for women. Before this pivotal moment, the nation was on a trajectory of progressive reforms concerning women's rights, positioning itself as a leader in the international campaign for gender equality, despite its authoritarian government. This article delves into the remarkable journey of **female parliamentarians Iran 1970s**, exploring the political landscape that enabled their rise, their numbers, their roles, and the profound impact of the revolution that dramatically altered their path.

The Dawn of a New Era: Women's Suffrage and Political Entry
Iranian Women in Parliament: Numbers and Impact
Beyond Parliament: Women in Local Councils and the Workforce
Iran as a Global Leader in Women's Rights (Pre-Revolution)
The Rastakhiz Party and Women's Political Activism
The Unraveling: The 1979 Revolution and its Aftermath
Legacy and Continued Struggle: Post-Revolutionary Women in Politics
Picturing a Different Iran: Society Before 1979

The Dawn of a New Era: Women's Suffrage and Political Entry

The journey towards women's political participation in Iran was a long and arduous one, rooted in the broader context of the Iranian Constitutional Revolution. The movement for women's rights began to emerge in the early 20th century, with semi-secret associations forming and organizing women's rights demonstrations and protests. These early efforts laid the groundwork for significant legal and social reforms that would unfold over the decades, gradually transforming the status of women in Iranian society.

The 1963 Landmark Decision

A pivotal moment arrived on February 26, 1963, when the Shah granted Iranian women the right to vote and to be elected into parliament. This monumental decision was the culmination of persistent and tenacious efforts by various women’s rights organizations, including the Organization of Iranian Women, the Women’s Party, the Women’s Democratic Organization, and the Women’s Progressive Movement. These groups had tirelessly campaigned for suffrage, recognizing it as a fundamental step towards full citizenship and equal participation in national life.

This legal reform was part of a broader series of modernizing initiatives under the Shah, often referred to as the White Revolution. Beyond suffrage, women were also increasingly integrated into the civil service and attained high positions in government and the judiciary. It's worth noting that this progressive stance on women's rights was not isolated; earlier, in 1936, women were actually forbidden to wear the veil, a move intended to promote modernization and integration into public life. These reforms collectively created an environment where the prospect of **female parliamentarians Iran 1970s** became not just a possibility, but a growing reality. The 1960s and 1970s saw many women in Iran joining the workforce and mixing freely with men, signaling a profound shift in societal norms and opportunities.

Iranian Women in Parliament: Numbers and Impact

The 1970s represented the zenith of women's political representation in Iran before the revolution. The numbers speak volumes about the progress made and the increasing influence of women in the legislative process. These figures are particularly striking when viewed in the context of the region and the time.

Pre-Revolutionary Representation

The data available from the period paints a clear picture of rising female political engagement. For example, until 1974, there were 18 female representatives in the parliament. This was not merely a token presence; these women were active participants in shaping national policy. Beyond the lower house, women also held positions in the upper house, with 2 female senators serving in the parliament. Their influence extended into the executive branch as well, with 2 female deputy ministers, demonstrating a commitment to integrating women into various levels of governance. Furthermore, the legal profession saw significant female participation, with 28 female lawyers in Iran, indicating women's growing presence in the justice system.

As the decade progressed towards the eve of the revolution, these numbers continued to climb. By 1978, a remarkable 22 women sat in parliament. This increase underscores a trend of sustained growth in female political representation, reflecting both the government's policies and the growing capabilities and aspirations of Iranian women. These **female parliamentarians Iran 1970s** were not just symbols; they were active agents of change, contributing to legislative debates and policy formulation in a nation that was rapidly modernizing.

Beyond Parliament: Women in Local Councils and the Workforce

The impact of women's empowerment in Iran during the 1970s was not confined to the national parliament. Their presence was felt across various levels of governance and within the economic fabric of the nation. This broader engagement highlights a comprehensive societal shift towards greater female participation.

Grassroots Engagement and Economic Contributions

In addition to national legislative roles, women played a significant part in local governance. In 1977, several hundred women were among the 5,000 members of local councils. This figure soared by 1978, on the eve of Iran's revolution, when 333 women served on elected local councils. This extensive involvement at the grassroots level meant that women were directly influencing local policies, community development, and public services, demonstrating a widespread commitment to civic engagement beyond the national spotlight.

Furthermore, Iranian women were also a considerable part of the workforce. While specific numbers for the 1970s vary, it is stated that two million women were in the workforce, indicating a robust and growing female presence in various industries and professions. This economic independence and professional integration were crucial components of women's overall empowerment, providing them with greater autonomy and a stronger voice in society. The visible presence of women in diverse roles, from politics to the professions and the general workforce, painted a picture of a dynamic and evolving society. Actresses, for instance, who were later banned from performing, posed in short skirts for magazines at the time, reflecting a more liberal public sphere and greater freedom in expression and attire.

Iran as a Global Leader in Women's Rights (Pre-Revolution)

By the late 1970s, Iran had carved out a unique position for itself on the global stage regarding women's rights. Despite being an authoritarian government, the country was seen as a world leader in the campaign for international women’s rights. This perception was largely due to the progressive reforms implemented and the visible strides made in women's education, employment, and political participation.

This was particularly striking when contrasted with the pervasive lack of democracy and limited women's rights in many other Middle Eastern nations, from Egypt and Syria to Iraq, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen. In this regional context, the rights enjoyed by Iranian women—including the right to vote, hold public office, and pursue careers in fields like law and medicine—stood out as remarkably advanced. The country's legal framework, which had granted women suffrage in 1963 and allowed them to attain high positions in government and the judiciary, was a testament to this progressive outlook. The presence of **female parliamentarians Iran 1970s** was a tangible symbol of this leadership, showcasing a nation that, despite its political system, was actively pushing boundaries in gender equality.

The Rastakhiz Party and Women's Political Activism

The political landscape of Iran in the 1970s was largely dominated by the Rastakhiz Party, which became the sole legal political party in 1975. Even within this centralized political structure, women found avenues for significant participation and influence, further cementing their role in the national political dialogue.

The involvement of women in the Rastakhiz Party was notable. Five female members served on the board of the Rastakhiz Party, indicating their presence at the highest decision-making levels within the party's structure. Furthermore, two women were active in the political office of this party, suggesting their direct involvement in policy formulation and political strategy. This level of engagement within the ruling party demonstrates that women were not merely token figures but were integrated into the core political machinery of the state. Their participation in the Rastakhiz Party allowed them to contribute to the political direction of the country and to advocate for issues pertinent to women's rights from within the established system. This internal political activism, alongside the efforts of independent women's rights organizations, collectively propelled the agenda of women's empowerment forward during this critical decade.

The Unraveling: The 1979 Revolution and its Aftermath

The vibrant and progressive image of Iranian society in the 1970s, characterized by increasing freedoms and opportunities for women, was dramatically altered by the Islamic Revolution of 1979. This seismic event brought about profound and often regressive changes, particularly concerning women's rights and their public roles.

A Regression of Rights

The revolution fundamentally reshaped Iranian life, imposing strict rules that contrasted sharply with the freedoms enjoyed previously. The extended photo collections from prior to 1979 clearly show that Iran was a very different world—a world that was looking brighter for women. However, in 1979, Iran’s revolution led to a regression of women’s rights in Iran that is present to this day. Many of the gains made over decades, including the presence of **female parliamentarians Iran 1970s**, were either reversed or severely curtailed.

The immediate aftermath saw a significant reduction in women's public roles and freedoms. Strict dress codes were enforced, professional opportunities in certain fields were restricted, and the progressive family laws of the Shah's era were dismantled. The image of the woman with perfectly coiffed hair walking the streets of Tehran in the early 1970s gave way to a new reality defined by mandatory veiling and a more restricted public sphere. While the revolution did see some women participate in the revolutionary movement, their subsequent roles were largely confined to spheres deemed appropriate by the new Islamic Republic. The shift was not just political but deeply societal, impacting every aspect of women's lives.

Legacy and Continued Struggle: Post-Revolutionary Women in Politics

Despite the profound regression following the 1979 revolution, the legacy of the **female parliamentarians Iran 1970s** and the broader women's rights movement did not entirely vanish. While the nature of women's political participation changed dramatically, women continued to seek and carve out spaces for influence, albeit under new, restrictive conditions.

In the Islamic Republic's first parliament in 1980, four women served, a stark decrease from the 22 who sat in parliament just two years prior. At least two of these women, Azam Taleghani and Maryam Behrouzi, became known as "Islamic feminists," attempting to reconcile their faith with advocacy for women's rights within the new system. This emergence of "state feminists" or "Islamic women parliamentarians" reflected a new paradigm, where women had to navigate a complex ideological framework to maintain any semblance of political agency.

Today, the struggle continues. There are currently 16 women from 13 constituencies in the current term of the parliament of Iran. While this number is higher than the immediate post-revolution period, it still represents a significant reduction in representation compared to the peak of the 1970s. The involvement of Iranian women in politics, including "underground politics," has evolved through different periods, adapting to the changing political landscape. The memory of the pre-revolutionary era, where women enjoyed greater freedoms and held more prominent public roles, continues to inspire and inform the ongoing fight for women's rights in Iran, serving as a reminder of what was and what could be.

Picturing a Different Iran: Society Before 1979

To truly appreciate the significance of **female parliamentarians Iran 1970s**, it is essential to grasp the broader societal context of pre-revolutionary Iran. The country was undergoing rapid modernization, and this transformation was visibly reflected in the daily lives of its citizens, particularly women.

The photographs dating from the 1930s to the 1970s capture something of the spirit of this "brave new world." These images showcase a society where women were increasingly integrated into public life, education, and various professions. The freedom to choose one's attire, from modern Western styles to traditional garments, was a personal decision, not a state imposition. Shahla Solhju, teenagers, and actresses like Googoosh were cultural icons, reflecting a vibrant and diverse society that embraced modernity while retaining its unique identity.

This period saw women not only entering parliament and taking jobs in the civil service but also participating actively in social and cultural spheres. The ability of women to mix freely with men in public and professional settings was a testament to the changing social fabric. It was a world where things were getting better for women, and as everyone knows, when things get better for women, things tend to get better for society as a whole. The contrast between this era of burgeoning freedoms and the post-revolutionary restrictions is stark, making the achievements of the **female parliamentarians Iran 1970s** all the more remarkable and a poignant reminder of a path not taken.

Conclusion

The story of **female parliamentarians Iran 1970s** is a compelling chapter in the history of women's rights and political participation. It illustrates a period of remarkable progress where Iranian women, through persistent activism and progressive reforms, achieved significant representation in national and local governance. From the landmark suffrage granted in 1963 to the peak of 22 women in parliament by 1978, Iran was, in many respects, a regional and even global leader in advancing women's roles in public life.

However, this era of burgeoning freedom and influence was abruptly curtailed by the Islamic Revolution of 1979, leading to a profound regression in women's rights that continues to impact Iranian society today. The shift from a vibrant, modernizing nation with active female political figures to a society under strict religious governance highlights the fragility of progress and the enduring impact of political upheaval. Yet, the legacy of these pioneering women, their contributions, and the vision of a more equitable Iran persist, fueling ongoing struggles for greater freedoms and representation.

We invite you to reflect on this fascinating period of Iranian history. What aspects of these women's achievements resonate most with you? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and consider exploring other articles on our site that delve into the rich and complex history of women's movements around the world.

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