Iran has a large number of women in science and politics
One is that the existence of this group, made up of outstanding women from different fields, signifies the success of the Islamic outlook on women. Not all outstanding women have gathered here. You are representatives of outstanding women throughout our country. We did not have so many outstanding women during an era of taghut [in this case, the Pahlavi era]. This is my claim and I’m sticking to it. Today, the absolute and relative number of female researchers, professors, scientists, intellectuals--who work in different areas and who are experts in those areas--poets and artists, such as fictional writers, poets and painters, is far larger than the number of such women during the time of taghut. The time of taghut [Pahlavi era] was a period of time when they had destroyed hijab and the belief in the necessity of distance between men and women, and they used to promote decadence on a daily basis. Additionally, in certain cases, their actions were more excessive and worse than European countries.
Today, in the Islamic Republic, we have such a large number of scientific and political personalities, and cultural and artistic experts, who wear hijab, chador, or headscarves. At that time [taghut], we did not even have a small number of such great women. There were very few women who practiced this way of life. This proves a theory, which is the exact opposite of one they were trying to establish. This theory reveals that not only does promotion of such decadence not help women strengthen their spirituality and develop their capacities, but it also keeps them so occupied with such matters as outward appearances and the trouble this brings about. This prevents women from moving towards perfection and transcendence.
July 4, 2007
Iranian women's works are among the best of writings in the Islamic Republic
As for women’s issues in the Islamic Republic, in our country and society: first, I will tell you that whenever I meet with Islamic, religious, and educated women, on such occasions, I deeply thank God. The fact that there are so many knowledgeable, educated, broad-minded and outstanding women--in intellectual and practical areas--in our society is really one of the greatest glories of the Islamic Republic. This is an extremely wonderful blessing and a great source of honor.
Today, only one honorable lady delivered a speech, but we have had numerous meetings with women, in which many of them delivered speeches. When each of them made certain statements, this opened a doorway in our minds toward new outlooks and new ways of thinking. Building such a large number of lofty, outstanding, and broad-minded individuals is one of the greatest glories of the Islamic Republic. Today, when we take a look, we see that the names of Iranian women have been written on many books; including scientific, research-based, historical, literature, political and artistic books. The writings of Iran’s women--whether articles or books--are among the best of writings in the Islamic Republic today. This is really a source of honor, and it is unprecedented in our history.
We have witnessed previous eras, and we have been familiar with the cultural environment of the country. We have never had such a large number of outstanding individuals from different fields, whether in seminary or academic areas. Furthermore, the emergence of the completely outstanding identity and the independent character of Iranian women in the arena of jihadi activities--such as the Sacred Defense Era and its aftermath till this day—humbles everyone. We have seen so many wives of martyrs and disabled war veterans, so many mothers of martyrs, and so many relatives of those brave souls who laid down their lives on the path of God.
The strong willpower, firm determination, and patience of these women makes everyone humble. I really feel a sense of humility whenever I meet these outstanding women. I’ve had many meetings with mothers and wives of martyrs and disabled war veterans. When a self-sacrificing lady spends her entire life managing and improving the life of a disabled war veteran, for the sake of God, this is not a minor achievement.
It is easy to say this, but it is very difficult to do it. A mother who has offered two, three, four martyrs on the path of God, who has stood firm despite this, advises us to stand firm as well. One really feels humility in the face of such greatness. These are the realities of women in our society, which are highly glorious and important realities. Well, this is, thankfully, the bright and shining part of women’s issues in our country.
The presence of female scholars will have great impact on the world
One fact that I would like to admit is that female enrollment in Islamic seminaries is an auspicious phenomena. Thousands of religious scholars, researchers, religious authorities and philosophers are being educated at women's Islamic seminaries, and this is a great movement. The materialistic world has a very negative, humiliating and twisted attitude towards women. The presence of female scholars--who have been taught in Islamic seminaries and universities--in various scholarly areas will have great impact on the world. This presence is a source of pride for the Revolution. Ladies should study hard. Of course the ultimate goal is not to become a religious authority or a philosopher. Some ladies may have the interest, talent, or time to achieve this goal, others may not. It is familiarity with Islamic and Quranic teachings that can prove useful to female seminarians and other people
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