Feminism and the Islamic Revolution

Most doctrines and developments in the West, in one way or the other have their roots in renaissance period. In fact after renaissance the thought structure, thinking in general and European world views were based on rationalism, materialism and the present world. One of the phenomena which also was influenced from renaissance was feminism. Feminism is a school of thought which believes in the equality of men and women's rights in political, social, economic aspects. According to feminism, considering women as second class citizens and inferior to men from the beginning of the history is due to men’s ontological consideration. This wrong view of men at women has caused considerable oppression and damage to women. The supporters of women in most countries including Iran tried to change this outlook. Before the Islamic revolution in Iran, the feminist succeeded in implementing some of their programme. After the occurrence of Islamic revolution, the constitution was framed on the basis of Islamic and religious principles. Naturally in this atmosphere feminism has been considered as a Western and anti-religious doctrine. The present article attempts to explain the history of feminism and feminist outlook. The question which is raised by this article is as follow: What has been the development of feminism in Iran and its achievements?From the view point of this article due to dominant culture after the Islamic revolution and the attitude towards the role of women in society a favourable atmosphere has been created for the entry of women in society. As a result women’s participation and presence in public and their efforts to get important managerial posts and positions have yielded fruits and one can see women as ministers, deputy ministers and members of parliament.