Is hijab an obstacle in the way of, or a catalyst for social activities?
According to Islamic ideals, there is a paradigm for Muslim women to follow. This model is complete: an Islamic woman is a woman who possesses faith; she embraces "ifaff" [chastity, virtue]; she manages the most important elements of human education; she is influential in society; she can grow, scientifically and spiritually; she is the doyenne of the very important foundation of family and a great source of comfort for man: all of these qualities exist, as well as other female qualities such as delicacy, softness of heart, and preparedness for receiving the divine light. These qualities make up the paradigm for the Muslim woman. These are the very characteristics that the Holy Prophet (PBUH) applied to various statements while praising Fatima Zahra, Khadija al-Kubra (God's greeting be upon them), and women in general… Islamic hijab is a means immunity for women. Hijab is not a means for restricting women.
Today, the flag of identity and cultural independence is in the hands of Iranian women. Today, by preserving hijab, Iranian women confirm their identity, independence, and cultural identity. They are exporting their qualities throughout the world. The world is hearing a new concept: women can have an active presence in social arenas, and they can exert a deep social influence. Today, the women of our country influence various fields. At the same time, hijab, modesty, [preserving] distinguished characteristics of men and women as well as [observing] a distance [of privacy] between men and women, refusal to be abused by men, or being reduced to an object of pleasure for selfish strangers are among the characteristics of Iranian and Muslim women. We offer this model, of course. Among our ladies, there are some individuals who are observing this prototype to a great and exact degree; some women are observing it to an average degree; in any case, this model exists and it's the cornerstone of Iranian women's achievements.