In the flood of news and information that surrounds us every day, we may take for granted the constant ripple of voices around the globe whose struggle to be heard often ends in violence, imprisonment or death. Ironically, it is only the new information age that is allowing many of those voices to be heard…
Tag: Iran
Women In Iran: From the Pahlavi era to the Islamic Republic
This article, penned by Mahnaz Afkhami, addresses the activities of Women’s Organization of Iran before the 1979 Revolution. Afkhami, who was the Secretary General of this non-profit organization, elaborates on its activities in early 1970s. The main focus of those activities – undertaken by women volunteers in 400 branches of this organization nationwide – was…
What Will Uprisings Mean For Women's Rights In The Arab World?
NPR News speaks with Mahnaz Afkhami and Lina Abou-Habib on the role of women in the pro-democracy uprisings of the Arab Spring. Afkhami speaks about democracy-building, family laws, and making space for inclusive civil society.
Suicide of Iran Shah's son, Alireza Pahlavi, caps life of sorrow in exile
Mahnaz Afhami speaks to Christian Science Monitor regarding the suicide of Alireza Pahlevi, the youngest son of the late shah of Iran. Like Afkhami, Pahlevi was living in exile in the US and was deeply affected by the Iranian revolution. Afhami states: “It’s a matter of loss of identity, loss of connections.. And all the…
Democracy Courage Tribute Acceptance Speech on Behalf of the Iranian Women’s Movement
I am proud and honored to accept this award on behalf of the Iranian Women’s Movement. It is a special honor to receive the award from the right honorable Kim Campbell whose life’s work and her personal conduct represent all that I and scores of others around the world aspire to. I am thankful to…
CNN's Amanpour: Panel Discussion with Activists on Women's Rights in the Middle East
For International Women’s Day, Mahnaz Afkhami is interviewed by CNN’s Christiane Amanpour on a panel of women’s rights activists. Afkhami discusses the importance of including women in political positions, the progress made in the Middle East, and hope for the future. Afkhami states: “There are many, many more women in power, in politics, in high-value…
BBC Persian TV Hard Talk [Be Ebarate Digar]: An Interview with Mahnaz Afkhami
BBC Persian TV’s Enayat Fani interviews Mahnaz Afkhami who looks back on the advancing of women’s rights in Iran, elaborating on the Family Protection Law. “Iran’s Family Protection Law which was ratified some forty years ago is still far ahead of the laws of other Middle Eastern countries,” says Afkhami, adding that the first thing…
Female Scholars in Exile Form Legion of Longing
Mahnaz Afkhami talks to Women’s e-News about life in exile, finding solidarity with other women in her 1994 book, “Women in Exile”, and building a new home in the US. “Exile, Afkhami says, imposes an inevitable wresting with the identity question: ‘Who am I?’”