An extreme crusade against male-domination in societies such as Iran’s could actually lead to the strengthening of male chauvinism, despite the contrary original intention. It is clear that the cultural, ideological, historic and religious basis for male chauvinism are very strong in all societies, regardless of whether they are rich or poor. But what gives us strength in believing that absolute victory will not come to male chauvinism are the political events of the last half century in the developing world. Indira Ghandi attained the highest levels of political power in India through the vote of the people. Benazir Bhutto in Pakistan, and other women in the developing countries, have managed to curtail the absolute rule of men, at least in the realm of leadership, through the public vote, thus proving that male chauvinism is not the unchallenged authority as the hearsay goes. It is indeed possible to penetrate the male fortress and take hold of political power. Even in countries known for their male chauvinism. Look at Argentine. The ascent of a woman to the highest political office through popular vote is a message to women’s rights activists in countries suffering from male chauvinism not to over emphasize or over estimate this chauvinism. Emphasizing the impossibility of changing conditions in such societies makes governments in these countries lower their toleration for accepting women’s participation, while also demoralizing the women masses as well.
In Iran, the last two decades demonstrated many signs that the nation was ready to accept the clashes with male chauvinism. But these signs were lost in the news and even women did not take them very seriously, even though they were very important.
During the elections for the fifth Majlis, we witnessed the unprecedented and extraordinary support that Faeze Hashemi enjoyed. It was even said that she received more votes than the prominent ayatollah, Nategh Nouri, and that to save face, an agreement was reached to show a lower figure for her votes than his so that people would not say “a woman defeated a prominent cleric.” It is said that even her own father (ayatollah Hashemi Rafsanjani) thought of this to be prudent.
Even if these accounts are not true, it is clear that the votes of the two candidates in 1996 were very close to each other. There are also reports that in the provinces too there were women who had received more votes than men in the same Majlis elections, which were publicly announced. Men in those cases did not protest. So even at the height of male chauvinism in our own country we have seen situations where men have been defeated and they have accepted this defeat openly.
And let’s not forget that these elections were not even completely free. So only those individuals who supported the religious order of Iran, i.e. supporters of a special type of male chauvinism, were allowed to run for public office, the presidency or the legislature. This development in Iran is unique and historic.
I do not know what the changes for success for Iranian women are if completely free and open elections are held in Iran, but we do know that Iran is accepting powerful women in high offices. When free elections return to Iran, we will lead the world in overcoming male chauvinism. Until then, however, one thing should have become clear to Iranian women: Even though male chauvinism cannot be eliminated overnight, it should be exaggerated either. For many years it was certainly not possible to get into the men’s club, and many thought a regime change would be necessary for that to happen. But even with such a change, who knows what kind of male chauvinism would dominate Iranian affairs. So it does not make sense to sit, wait and do nothing. History has shown that male chauvinism is never unchallenged. Women in the developing world have succeeded in pushing men to accept equality and fairness. In fact, such retreat by men is more vivid in societies that have witnessed such issues as colonialism, economic crises, political turmoil etc.
In Iran today we have plenty of women who can steer things in new directions. Many men have come to believe in such women. This is part of the nation’s capital and wealth. These are our accomplishments regarding the traditional chauvinism that has manifested itself through the pretext of religion.
Events in Argentina are instructive for Iranian women. They can penetrate the male dominated state through various means, as they have in some situations. Victory is tied to the participation of women from all walks of life in the upcoming elections under the banner of freedom. The participation of masses of women, sisters and those who have suffered from violence is a means which if used can result in an improvement in the conditions of human rights in the country and catapult women into important decision-making spheres.
