Women in Iran: Since Khatami

Erela Daor writes on the lives of women since the May 1997 election of Muhammad Khatami as president of Iran. (He was elected with a mandate for liberalization by an overwhelming 69% of votes cast, with 94% of eligible individuals voting.)

The improvement has not been consistent. On the one hand, Khatami appointed Massuma Aviktar as vice president for administration and the environment, and two women as vice ministers. Women have been appointed judges. They have not lost their right to vote. On the other hand, over the president’s objection, a law was passed that is expected to have severe repercussions for the quality of health care for women: it obligates hospitals to have entirely separate facilities for female and male patients.