The aim of this paper is to analyse the Green Movement in Iran through the Liberal feminism theory. I address the following question: To what extent the relationship between the Iranian Green Movement and the Liberal Feminism theory exists? First and foremost, I will present the Iranian Green Movement, then, I will explain the Liberal feminism theory and finally I will explain whether or not the relationship between these two is relevant. At the end of this essay, I will argue that this concept is not broad enough to fully understand this event.
The Green Movement in Iran
The Green Movement is a popular uprising which appeared after the Iranian 2009 election. (Tahmasebi-Birgani, …show more content…
First, it aimed at enhancing democratic rights in Iran. Moreover, it gathered the society in its entirety but the movement was especially known for its predominance of women. Indeed, at that time, the government controlled women’s sexuality by not letting them choosing their own husband, restraining them to divorce, to wear colourful clothes since they were considered as second-class citizens. (Abbasgholizadeh, 2014) They were also excluded from public life. For instance, they were not allowed to attend football match. (Hoodfar and Sadeghi, 2009) Finally, it is significant to be aware of this movement since police forces cracked down on peaceful demonstrators. (Tahmasebi-Birgani, 2010) Although the government claimed the death of 33 people including 16 military men, journalists from independent newspapers gave the names of 110 people who was killed by the Revolutionary Guard. (Ganji, …show more content…
The first argument of this statement is that this theory does not expose religious sexism. Indeed, this issue is understandable through the prism of the shariah law. (Mohammadi, 2007). Religion and God replace the people’s sovereignty known in Western countries. (Sadeghi, 2010) In the same way as Liberal feminists, Iranian women chose to claim their rights through the law. However, the main Iranian legislative body – The Guardian Council – is composed of priests. This is why this theory is not applicable. (Mohammadi,