Individual Narratives

A hijab, meaning 'cover' is a piece of fabric worn by many Islamic women which covers their head. The intended purpose of this covering was to obscure femininity. In most countries all over the world women have a choice whether or not to wear the veil, which to some is a proud symbol of modesty. However, in Iran there is a mandatory law that women must don their veils in public at all times or risk punishments that can include refusal from public establishments such as restaurants to harassment by police or even arrest. This law has been in effect since 1979 and it would appear that there is no end in sight. In Islam it is said, through religious teachings, that no one can be forced to wear the veil. Yet, in a country where the predominant religion is Islam they impose a law that seems to go against the teachings of their owned sacred religion. While the Qur'an, the holy book in Islam, does speak of modesty for women, many feel that it is being taken too literally. Women have become increasingly unhappy with this compulsory law. There have been riots and attempts to persuade the government to reform, or repeal the law but they have had no success with the matter. This law is only one of the many limitations placed upon women in Iran. Equality is not valued by the government there for it is stated in laws that a woman is only worth half of a man, this applies to matters such as inheritance. With the more publicity this matter gets, and the rise in rebellion it has people wondering if change is on the horizon or if the government is going to tighten their grip on the scant amount of freedom women have to cling to.