The 17th of Dey is an unforgettable day in the history of Iran, a day that not only commemorates the historic decree of Reza Shah the Great for the unveiling of women and their liberation but also marks a pivotal moment in redefining the status of women in society. This decree, issued in 1935, initiated a path that freed Iranian women from traditional constraints and brought them into the social, educational, and political spheres of the country.

The Pahlavi Era: The Dawn of Social Modernization

Before the Pahlavi era and during the Qajar period, there was generally no concept of civil rights in Iran. The rights and privileges of individuals were determined by the Sultan in consultation with clerics and based on religious laws. In essence, the country was governed as a theocratic state (Ummah/Government) rather than a nation-state (Nation/State).

In this context, women were not only excluded from society but were also considered, in a sense, the property of men, devoid of rights and autonomy. As Parvin E'tesami expressed in a poem celebrating the issuance of the unveiling decree, the condition of women before the Pahlavi era was as follows:

In Iran, women were as if they were not Iranian,
Their lot was nothing but misery and despair.
Their life and death passed in seclusion,
What was a woman in those days, if not a prisoner?
There was no shore to be found in this stormy sea,
For this lost ship had no captain.

After Reza Shah the Great came to power and established the Pahlavi dynasty, he embarked on modernizing Iran and rightly founded the administration of the country on the principles of a nation-state. By establishing governmental institutions and mechanisms, he defined civil rights and outlined the characteristics of the nation. Reza Shah understood that to rebuild the ruins inherited from the Qajar era, the cooperation and participation of all segments of society were necessary, and women constituted a vital half of Iranian society.

It was on this basis that the decree for unveiling was issued on the 17th of Dey, 1935. According to this decree, women were no longer to be considered the property of men or passive in their own destiny. Instead, they could freely participate in society as half of the national driving force and as educators of the next generation, taking on their civic roles in all spheres of the nation.

During Reza Shah's reign, alongside the establishment of a modern nation-state, significant measures were taken to improve the status of women. These included:

Education and Women's Participation in Professional Fields: On the 17th of Dey, 1935, Reza Shah, accompanied by the Queen Mother and Princesses Shams and Ashraf Pahlavi, attended the graduation ceremony of the first class of midwifery students. His Majesty, after touring various sections of the school, awarded diplomas to the young women who had graduated in medical and midwifery fields. In his speech, he stated:

"I am immensely pleased to see women here who, through education and learning, are ready to recognize their true position and understand their rights and interests. The women of our country, due to their exclusion from society, were unable to demonstrate their inherent talents and capabilities. But now, in addition to their maternal rights, they can also benefit from other social rights. It is unacceptable to disregard half of the nation's population. Until now, women have not been considered part of Iranian society, and this must change."

The establishment of this school was one of the remarkable initiatives, as it significantly reduced the mortality and miscarriage rates, which had previously been high due to various reasons, including women's lack of access to healthcare education, prenatal care, and traditional childbirth methods, often resulting in the loss of both mother and child.

Establishment of the Mother and Child Welfare Organization: Reza Shah improved social services for women by founding institutions such as the Mother and Child Welfare Organization. Additionally, by designating the 25th of Azar as Mother's Day, he emphasized the importance of women's role as mothers in society and supported them as the cornerstone of the family and the upbringing of the next generation.

The Shahanshah Aryamehr: The Culmination of Freedoms and Women's Empowerment

The revolution initiated by Reza Shah the Great for the modernization of Iran and the creation of a modern country reached its peak during the reign of Shahanshah Aryamehr. Thus, Reza Shah can be considered the founder, and Shahanshah Aryamehr the father, of modern Iran.

The actions of Shahanshah Aryamehr, particularly the issuance of the Six-Point Decree known as the White Revolution (or the Revolution of the Shah and the People), marked a significant turning point in contemporary Iranian history. The White Revolution, designed to transform traditional foundations and bring Iran to the gates of the Great Civilization, brought about fundamental changes in the status of Iranian women, including:

Granting Women the Right to Vote: In 1962, as part of the "White Revolution" or "Revolution of the Shah and the People," Iranian women gained the right to vote for the first time. This occurred at a time when women in some European countries, including Switzerland, were still deprived of this right, and it took them another decade to achieve it, not through royal decree but after prolonged struggles.

The impact of granting women the right to vote was profound, not only politically but also socially, as it placed women in control of their own destiny and on equal footing with men. This led to opposition from clerics and religious leaders, including Ruhollah Khomeini, who denounced the decree and instigated protests, culminating in the uprising of June 5, 1963.

The Family Protection Law: Another significant measure within the White Revolution was the Family Protection Law, enacted on April 16, 1963. This law prohibited child marriage and unilateral divorce, taking a major step toward protecting the rights of women and children.

The Literacy Corps and the Health Corps: With the establishment of the Literacy Corps and the Health Corps, Iranian women were able to participate in education and rural development. These programs enabled women to play a role in improving the lives of deprived communities and the country's development.

Presence in Executive and Political Positions: During the Pahlavi era, women played prominent roles in political and executive spheres. Female representatives entered parliament, and women were appointed to cabinet positions. For the first time in Iranian history, a woman was appointed as the regent, marking unprecedented events in Iran's history, especially post-Islam. Female ministers during the first and second Pahlavi eras represented a significant shift in societal attitudes toward women's managerial capabilities and a major step toward gender equality. Women like Farrokhroo Parsa, Iran's first female minister, played key roles in social and educational reforms. As Minister of Education, she implemented extensive reform programs to increase girls' access to education.

Strengthening the Symbolic Role of Women: At the coronation of Shahanshah Aryamehr in 1967, Empress Farah Pahlavi was introduced as the regent. This act symbolized the respect and trust placed in the abilities of Iranian women. Empress Farah Pahlavi remarked, "When the Shahanshah placed the crown on my head, they were, in fact, crowning the Iranian woman."

The Role of Princess Ashraf Pahlavi: Princess Ashraf Pahlavi is also recognized as one of the pioneering women in contemporary Iranian history. By breaking social taboos and engaging in international arenas, she played a significant role in presenting a progressive image of Iranian women. Princess Ashraf served as the Secretary-General of UNESCO and drew global attention to the capabilities of Iranian women. Her work in human rights and advancing women's status inspired many women in Iran and worldwide. She represented Iran at international conferences and made numerous efforts to elevate the status of women globally. Known for her courage and progressive approach, Princess Ashraf earned the title of the "Iron Lady" of Iran.

The Pahlavi Legacy and the 2022 Uprising

The freedoms and achievements of women during the Pahlavi era not only laid the foundation for transformation in Iranian society but also inspired freedom-seeking movements in subsequent decades. The national uprising of the Iranian people in 2022, known globally as the "Woman, Life, Freedom" movement, echoed the desire to return to the glory of the Pahlavi era.

Brave women like Nika Shakarami, Sarina Esmailzadeh, and Hadis Najafi, through their sacrifices, demonstrated that the ideals of freedom for Iranian women remain alive. Their mothers and sisters, including Fatemeh Sepehri, Nasrin Shakarami, and Afsoon Najafi, played significant roles in this national revolution by supporting the legacy of Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi, Prince Reza Pahlavi.

Prince Reza Pahlavi, as the leader of the national revolution, symbolizes hope and unity for all Iranians. Alongside the brave women and men of Iran, he strives for a free, prosperous, and equal Iran.

Conclusion

The 17th of Dey is a reminder of the day when Iranian women were freed from traditional constraints and became a powerful force in the nation's progress. This historic day is not only a symbol of a glorious past but also a beacon for a future where Iranian women and men will work together to rebuild the greatness and grandeur of Iran.