The Feminist Movement in Iran - By Tahira

" The feminist movement spread to other parts of the Middle East. Iran was certainly not left out. In the 19th century, Tahira, popularly known as Qurratul-Ayn, which means coolness or consolation of the eyes, or Zarrin Taj, which signifies Golden Crown, became one of the leaders of the Babi religious movement in Iran which was started by Muhammad Ali - Bab in the mid-nineteenth century.

She was born in 1820 and after being imprisoned, was put to death in August 1852 when she was thirty two years old. She was the first Iranian woman to throw off the veil and put on European dress and addressed large gatherings of men in public meetings. Western writers have praised her a great deal, although in Iran she is considered to be a devilish woman who corrupted the morals of Iranian women and confused their religious beliefs by preaching the Bahai faith. Also Martha L. Root in her book, Tahira, the Pure, Iran's Greatest Woman, says about her.

"Viewed in this light, one can understand her chaste spirit, her matchless courage, not only in the danger to her life but in her being the first woman in the Eastern Muslim World to dare to lay aside the veil even in brief movement, and in being courageous enough to go to the Badasht conference to consult with the group of men followers of the Bab.

The feminist movement in Iran, therefore started with the Bahai movement. The principles enunciated by the Bab were and are favourable to women. Later on, Sadigeh Katnum Daulatabade and Khanum azamodeh, whose names are closely associated with female education in Iran, became the pioneers in this field. The work of these two enthusiastic women was welcomed everywhere in the country and education of girls became a common phenomenon.......

Equality between women and Men in Canada since 1929

An important event happened in Canada back in 1938.

This event, known in Canada as „The Persons Case, was precipitated when Emily Murphy was appointed as a judge in Canada in 1916. Her first day on the bench, she was challenged by lawyers who declared she could not rule as judge because women are not persons in Canada. They were correct.

The first battle was that women had to prove that they had souls. Many supported Mrs. Murphy, and of note are four other women activists from Alberta: Nellie McClung, Irene Parlby, Louise McKinney and Henrietta Muir Edwards. The activists petitioned the Supreme Court of Canada, and were shocked when their appeal was denied. They then took their case to the British Privy Council (the highest ruling court at that time for Canada).

On October 18, 1929 they win their case and women become persons in Canada. Since 1992, the month of October has been dedicated to the history of women in Canada. This year marked the 80th Anniversary of this historic „women become persons event, which was a big step for the establishment of equality between women and men in Canada.