The impact of the islamic revolution on education of females in Iran
Date
2011-05-24
Authors
Movahed, Mohammad Assadi
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
This study was directed at investigating the impact of the Islamic Revolution on the
education of females in Iran, which included an interpretation of Islam whose implementation in national affairs like education could change the position of women. The study analysed the status of women from the point of view of the teachings of Islam, the views of the parents,political and spiritual leaders in the Islamic Republic of Iran and the education policies and developments that have taken place in the country since the revolution in 1979. The focus was to find out whether the status of women in education had been elevated or depressed as a result of the Islamic Revolution. The study adopted qualitative research methods. The quantitative research techniques using questionnaires were employed in order to ensure triangulation.The findings of the study indicate that Islam as interpreted by the Iranian leaders does not discriminate against women. Islam as a religion accords equal treatment to all human beings.The low status of women in most Islamic countries has been a result of wrong interpretation of
Ii>lam. The leaders of the Islamic Republic of Iran have been working towards changing the image of Islam. Their interpretation of the religion has been that it has principles which accord individuals their equal rights and freedoms, it respects human dignity, justice and fairness to all
people and that all people have equal right to participate in public affairs. In education the understanding is that learning is a right for both men and women. The leaders of the Islamic Republic of Iran have attempted to implement their understanding of the underlining principles
of Islam in relation to the education of females. Some of the policies instituted to support the education of females are: free education for everybody from primary to tertiary level, building of more schools in rural areas to reduce distances from home to school, single sex schools for girls,
employment of female teachers in girls only schools and educating mothers about the
importance of education for girls. These policies have increased the participation rates of females in education. One of the major policy initiative which has contributed to increases in the
participation of females in education is the changing of the moral environment of the schools to correspond with the expectations of the communities.
Description
Keywords
Iran -- History -- Revolution, 1979 , Islamic education