EMANCIPATION OF WOMEN

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Mona 19
by Mona 19
21-Feb-2008
 


Now, after centuries of silence, women have found their voices and are themselves becoming vehicles for the changes and advancements of the world.

It is quite a wonder to discover that the first Women's Rights Martyr was not even a westerner. She was from Iran, a country still known for its oppression of women. Her name was Tahirih (The Pure One) or Quarratu'l-Ayn. (Solace of the Eyes)

Tahirih was an early promoter of women’s rights and sacrificed her life rather than give up her beliefs. Born as Fatimih brarghani into a prominent clerical family in 1814, Tahirih was an exceptional woman for her time and place, attaining a high level of education and winning a considerable reputation for her scholarship and poetry.

Although many in the west believe the modern movement for women ‘s rights began in the USA that same year, thoughtful historians also recognized Tahirih as among the earliest of the suffragettes. Intrepid and outspoken, she did not allow the social dictates of her society to held her back from reaching her potential. In her deeds, she openly proclaimed the equality of men and women, at one point boldly stripping off her veil in public. A woman appearing unveiled, especially in context of the time and country in which she lived, was perceived as a sign of promiscuity and a grave transgression against the clergy and even God Himself. At that time, women in Iran were considered less than second-class citizens, unable to own property, vote or even expect to receive much of an education.

She paid a terrible price for her courageous acts. Her husband, who objected to her beliefs, imprisoned her for some time and when she escaped she was forced to leave her children behind, never to see them again.

Tahirih was martyred for her beliefs in 1852, just four years after the First Women's rights Convention, which was held in Seneca Falls, New York .

Her last words offered a stirring vision of the future: "You can kill me as soon as you like, but you cannot stop the EMANCIPATION OF WOMEN."

With Loving Greetings,

Mona

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Admin who erases the comments

by Anonymous6 (not verified) on

Bias admin who erases the comments,

This is called freedom of speech:
Ying Yang art in main page of Iranian.com are trashy paintings.

Now go ahead and erase this comment again.


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Re:Jamshid and Iranian-

by Human (not verified) on

Jamshid,

Why are you insulting another Iranian so badly? I think that was very inappropriate and uncivil of you.

People of different parts of the world have different beliefs and customs. You should not call another Iranian such names. It seems to me that you are the one who thinks that you know it all. Am I wrong here?

Iranian-

You should be more considerate referring to women here in the West. I think you should remember that this is not Iran!


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To Iranian-

by Mehran (not verified) on

Wow, we are really scared now. I think you should ease up and relax a bit. By the way being a Kafar is not too bad, it has it's own advantages. You should try it some time:-)


Iranian-

To: jamshid

by Iranian- on

It does not matter what you think of me Kafar. If you try to hurt Islam or Muslims, I'll show you who is the one who will really be scared.


Mona 19

Midwesty

by Mona 19 on

Midwesty, I really appreciate your respectful comment. We all need to exchange ideas in a civil manner. even though We all have different opinions and came from different backgrounds.

I did read Quran and memorized part of it when I was 5 yrs old.

Often in history women have been the pride of humanity- for example, Mary, the mother, of Jusus.She was a glory of mankind.Asiyih, daughter of Pharaoh, Sarah, wife of Abraham, Fatimih, daughter of prophet Muhammad, .....and innumerable others have glorified the human race by their excellences.

Even in this day there are women who far outshine men. They are wise,talented,well-informed,progressive,most intelligent and the light of men. They surpass men in courage. When they speak in meetings, the men listen with great respect.

Sincerely,

Mona :)

 

 


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An example of Iranian feminist!!!!!!Read and judge!!!!!

by Fair (not verified) on

I am not anti-Semitic (Azar Majedi)
by Azer Majedi (not verified) on Thu Feb 21, 2008 04:52 AM CST

You might ask, "But who is the judge of what is good? Who determines that? Isn't it subjective?" No, it is not. Progressive forces determine what is good, and they send everybody who disagrees either to camps or to mental asylums. Just look at how efficiently Stalin accomplished that (although I do disagree with a few of the things he did).

Azar Majedi


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Please read the Quran and the history correctly and try to be fa

by Seagull (not verified) on

midwesty, i believe Mona is from Islamic background and versed in Quran.
Even I have read the Quran in English, and i am not sure about your point and the station of women in Islam.
I do believe that the Prophet PUH, did his best for women at the time. But not only it is not sufficient for present day, it is also a cause of strife and contention and miscarriage of justice. look at the news coming from all directions and the humiliation and suffering of women and be realistic and fair.
Stating something and the reality of it can be 2 different things and be light years apart.
I think that has to do with a lot of misconception and misinformation.
Thank you though


jamshid

Re: Iranian-

by jamshid on

Iranian-, you have a master of science degree and you still think that a woman's place is in the kitchen? You are one of those  imbeciles who thinks he knows it all, and that he has the right to enslave women, aren't you?

You are a "small", "bi gheyrat" and insecure scared little man , which is typical of fanatic moslems like yourself.


jamshid

Re: Midwesty

by jamshid on

Midwesty, I find it very disappointing that you are integrating Iran and Arab's history, as though they are one. We are talking about Iran in here, not Arabia, nor India, etc.

By the way, the woman that you are mentioning and who was fighting for her "rights", as you put it, had a father (Mohammad the prophet) that abused that very same "right" by marrying with a six years old girl called Ayesheh, and having sex with her when she was only nine. She must have been brave indeed, unlike her father.

It seems that you are the one who needs to be fair.

 


Iranian-

To: All good people

by Iranian- on

Actually I only meant that "Iranian Feminist" should be in the kitchen. Not other decent and good women. I do believe that men and women are equal in the eyes of God. Physically and mentally of course men and women are different.

I do like to see women get high education and do anything that is possible for them.  I don't mind them being scientists, writers, inventors, doctors or even bus drivers if they wanted to. The only positions that I would disagree with a woman is the leadership and being a judge.

"Iranian Feminist", your ideas are rotten. I hope that at least you can cook a good meal in the kitchen.


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Dear Iranian feminist, Bahai

by moderation (not verified) on

Dear Iranian feminist,

Bahai women can be a leader in all spheres of the faith or outside of the faith.
Bahais may be elected to Local, national or international posts and offices regardless of gender, ethnicity, national origin, etc.

The ONLY office in the faith women can not be elected to is the House of Justice, the International governing body of the faith.

All i can tell you about that is that it could have all been women in that office. This is in keeping with requirements of the absolute and has nothing to do with the quality of equality.

Remember we are religionists and believe and trust in God and learn from his wisdom by applying the principles that we believe are divine and best for us.

on feminism,
We do not subscribe to neither western or eastern or any type of feminism or any other movements.
We believe that Baha'U'llah is the Messiah, the promised Qaim and the fulfillment of the prophecies of all divine scriptures. And that His provisions are sufficient for us.

If you wish to differ on definition or quality of equality, i will not contend.
As an iranian man with mother, sisters and daughters, i understand.

My portion of reading is the merit of what is being said, with due considerations and offering of what i have come to learn, the rest is future.


Iranian-

To: Iranian Feminist

by Iranian- on

You are not only evil, but you are stupid as well. If a spelling mistake is a sign of lack of education to you, fool, then that is your problem. For your information, I have a Master of Science degree from a top American university.

You evil Feminists are dumb and will never get any power in any Muslim country. So just burn in anger and serve your place in the kitchen. That's where you belong, 'Iranian Feminist'!


Midwesty

Mona,

by Midwesty on

Sorry I couldn't stay silent. As much as I like to see us united but I have to remind you that the first woman who channeled and amplified the voices of women years before even Tahirih was born, was another woman with the same name and title but was born to the greatest man of all time Mohammad (Peace be upon him). We all know she fought for women's right at the darkest ages in the darkest community of Arabs, when they used to bury their infant daughters alive for the shame their births brought to their families. Please read the Quran and the history correctly and try to be fair. Thanks!


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To "moderation"

by Iranian Feminist (not verified) on

I am all for freedom of expression. I am not asking Mona not to do missionary work on this site. All I am saying is that a male-dominated religion such as Bahaism that forbids women from being leaders cannot be for equality between men and women.

I do not follow a specific brand of feminism and am not radical. I simply see an inconsistency in Mona's assertions. She is for equality between men and women, but not a feminist. She is for equality between men and women, but not bothered by the fact that Bahai women cannot become leaders in the organization.

This and other statments and writings by "Mona 19" make me think that she is only aiming at doing publicity for Bahaism and not for women's emancipation. What bothers me is her doing missionary work for Bahaism under the mask of defending women's rights. I do not like to see that the idea of women's emancipation is being used by those who do not really care about the women's emancipation.

Is "Mona 19" is for "emancipaqtion of women", why doesn't she respond to my objection that Bahai women cannot be leaders? (I have heard her or Tahirih say that 150 years ago men would have been OUTRAGED by women being leaders. Well, we live in 2008 and not 150 years ago!)

I am waiting for an honest response from you or Mona regarding my objection. Thank you.


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to iranian feminist, the other extreme end of the spectrum

by moderation (not verified) on

Anything taking to the extreme becomes evil even feminism.
just like the religion in iran that is hostage in the hands of extremists, feminism would not be different.
Bahais have experience with what it means to say man and women are equal, they've lived that belief for over 150 years and consider equality a GIVEN RIGHT.
you can use their experience, and yes they can tell you that the Bahai faith offers equality of the sexes, what is wrong with that.
you are marketing your brand of feminism here as original why should not others.
your objection to other's right of expression is nothing short of oppression. If you are to worried about intentions just examine the merits of what is being said, worry about intentions afterwards.
It is also equally revealing if you examine your own motives!
About Bahai being a reformed islam, i am sorry that your background knowledge if Islam and Bahai faith is so limited.
You can say the same thing about Islam that is more or less but pretty much Judaism retold with some modifications.
That can be said about any religion, that is why they all make a distinction between a believer and a non believer one way or the other, read Quran, Bible, Old testament for yourself.


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Women need to avoid ALL religions

by AnonymousWoman (not verified) on

Women who are for equal rights and freedom from male domination, need to avoid ALL religions, all organised religions that are made by MEN. Bahaism is another MALE-DOMINATED RELIGION. Bahai women do not have the right to be leaders, because otherwise
Bahaii men will be OUTRAGED!!!!!!!!!

In Islam, Zahra and Zeinab are put on a pedestal; in Bahaism, it is Tahirih. Women can think by themselves; we don't need ROLE MODELS. Each woman can be a trail-blazer!


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was Tahirih feminist?

by TehraniAnonymous (not verified) on

Mona jaan, was Tahiri a feminist?


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thanks, but no thanks to Bahai version of equal rights

by Sara- (not verified) on

What woman would support a religion that deprives women of the right to be leaders? Are they in denial or fundamentally brainwashed to be closed-minded believers of the ideology they are dictated? Mind you, those MEN's words are as valued as Bahaulla. Theoretically and perhaps practically they have more power within their group than any other religious authority. Is this your definition of equality for men & women? Thanks, but no thanks. I would rather follow my own conscience and and not be trapped in an ideology that deprives women of their rights in ANY shape or form.
.
And regarding Tahirih, I really hope it is a true story, but sometimes fiction are written & elaborated as facts, to propogate an idea. I've seen too many of those to be an easy believer. Until some old texts that can be independently authenticated, this story about Tahirih, seems too fantastic, and fable like.


Mona 19

Jamshid

by Mona 19 on

The poem is from Tahirih, herself. She has collection of poems, but It has never published in Iran during IRI.

There is another famouse singer in Iran who sang a poem of Tahirih more than 10 yrs ago.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYSz26ZBi2k

Aghili also sang a poem of Tahirih.

 

regard,

Mona :)

 


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Typical of Bahais

by Iranian Feminist (not verified) on

Mona (a 19 year-old woman???) says:

"I'm not feminist, but I do believe in equality for all"

What's wrong with being a feminist? I'm sure you will NEVER says "I'm not a Bahai".

Feminism is the idea that women are people. So why not considering yourself a feminist? I know, I know. You're a Bahai using feminist ideas.

Please stop being a hypocrite.


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bahaism as bad as other religions

by oldmanwinter (not verified) on

most iranians know about ghoratolein. she is a great women, but shouldn't be used as a tool for any religion. organised religions are evil. period.


Mona 19

Dear Fair-minded Readers

by Mona 19 on

Naazokbin, you're absolutly right.We have a different opinions and thoughts, but we need to accept that all humanity is one, and distined to live in peace and harmony. as I said before in other blog""All men have been created to carry forward an ever-advancing civilization ... To act like the beasts of the field is unworthy of man. Those virtues that befit his dignity are forbearance, mercy, compassion and loving-kindness towards all the peoples and kindreds of the earth.""

Ali Reza, Sure I will :)

Iranian-, I'm not feminist, but I do believe in equality for all, and I'm not Moslem, but I do believe in all divine. religion(Christianity,Jewish,Zoroastrian, Islam).

Anoble, That 's true.THis is what I believe "Women have equal rights with men upon earth; in religion and society they are a very important element. As long as women are prevented from attaining their highest possibilities, so long will men be unable to achieve the greatness which might be theirs."

Mehran, I appriciate it.

 

Best Wishes to all

Mona :)

The people of the world, of whatever race or religion,derive their inspiration from one heavenly source, and are the subjects of the God.

 

 


jamshid

Re: Mona (and Iranian Feminist)

by jamshid on

To Mona: I didn't know about Tahirih until you and another woman started talking about it in this site. What Tahirih did 150 years ago was heroic. I am amazed that I never heard of such brave woman until now.

Freedom in Iran begins with liberating half of its population, the women. This is a social evolution that cannot be stopped. And reacting to this evolution with violence, as IRI does, can only delay the inevitable, but it cannot stop it.

I also believe that members of any religion should be able to preach their beliefs. However, historically, Islam has met such activities with absolute intolerance and violence.

I admire and encourage your striving against oppression, be it religious, political or gender oppression. I think Bahais have no choice but to fight all three.

I read the "tahereh" poem. Who wrote it? And didn't Aghili had a song with these words many years ago?

To Iranian Feminist: Just who are YOU to think that you can so arrogantly represent all "Iranian women" or "intelligent people" in this site? I have had many religious arguments with Mona19, and not once she tried to convert me to Bahaism. So exaclty what missionary activity are you talking about?

And what is wrong with propoganda that targets equal rights for women? Are you saying that bahai or moslem women have no "right" to fight for their freedom, just because they are bahai or moslem?

I think your use of the "Iranian Feminist" id, is just a display of your nervous and insecure mind, not to mention your hyporcisy.


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Posters agree that Mona is doing Bahai Propaganda

by Iranian Feminist (not verified) on

So everyone agrees that "Mona 19" is doing missionary work for Bahaism. I have no problem with that. She and her supporters did not really address my concern. The problem is that Mona is using women and their aspiration for her missionary work on this site.

Bahaism is a patriarchal (as in Male-Dominated) religuion. It does not garantee women's emancipation.
Just live with Bahais and experience this reality by yourselves.

Just read the response by an uneducated Muslim male-chauvinist "Iranian-". He says,

"As a Muslim I am against Femenism, but I have respect for Mona 19. If Mona 19 is a Muslim, then I urge her not to support Femenism."

Thank you "Iranian-", for telling us who "Mona 19"'s supporters are. Uneducated people who cannot write "Feminism" correctly.

Bahaism IS NOT for women's liberation. It is a reformed version of Islam and remains MISOGYNISTIC!


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nice piece

by Mehran (not verified) on

It was a nice piece and I enjoyed reading it Mona.


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Nobel westerners

by Anoble (not verified) on

That was for malakmotei the MD

btw, womens rights have to be recognized and realized by both man and women and become the law of the land and the norm of society before it can have any true and lasting expressions. that means you will have to convince people like the MD !


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Nobel westerners

by Anoble (not verified) on

I did not think you'd care for Nobel price to begin with, since to your company it is an instrument of the westerners!
How about Shirin Ebady, she got one too, but i suppose you have to finalize and seal the deal before it becomes worthy of mention!
Also what kind of feminist would settle for being half of a man, i suppose a half feminist.
Women have no place in your cage of a mentality, never have, never will.
If you wear a head scarf and a chadoor one day and
walk the streets and walk in their shoes may be you will get the point. Until then cut the deceit and try to be honest if you know what that means!


Iranian-

I think we should be fair to Mona 19

by Iranian- on

If you don't like Mona 19's opinion on the subject matter, then let her know. Please don't call her 'this' or 'that'.

As a Muslim I am against Femenism, but I have respect for Mona 19. If Mona 19 is a Muslim, then I urge her not to support Femenism. But if she is not, then she has her opinion and I have mine. I am not going to accuse her of anything else.


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Maybe we all need to take some pride in Bahai people

by Ali Reza (not verified) on

Today, I read about this great (but apparently unknown) Tahirih and now I learn she is Bahai. Great. Let's all take some pride in this.

Maybe the reason one or two Bahais are active on this site with stories that cover their religion is that Iran tries to wipe away any trace of their cultural contributions and identity. We all have our own stories and are frightfully aware of their long and turbulent history of persecution. (We say under our breadth "it is on their heads" and are thankful that we are not treated as disgracefully by society)

Until the Iranian systems stops censoring Bahais, it is probably best for intelligent people (and not Bahai believers) to make sure that their beliefs and contributions to Iran do not get erased from our history. Let's fight against all of the provocative misconceptions that have been generated in order to vilify them (I hear members of my family and friends saying that they are a creation of the British, American spies, Communist agents... All the accusations become comical).

Maybe we, I, all of us should marvel at their contributions with the same nationalistic pride as we do with Rumi, Hafez, and Zoroastrian traditions.

Listen, Mona19, there are many intellectuals that like Bahais writing on this site, because we don't often have the opportunity to hear your perspectives. Keep on doing your work and tell more people to write about your beliefs. (I am sure Iranian Feminist will one day also see that your religious history is intimately connected to our national identity).


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Iranian Feminist!

by Naazokbin (not verified) on

You wrote:

"Iranian women have this suspicion that you and another poster "Tahirih" are more interested in doing propaganda for the patriarchal religion of Bahaism than defending the women's rights. I believe that if you are truely interested in "women's emancipation", you need to stop doing missionary work on this website. Intelligent people get turned off by your constant propaganda work."

Why do you think you can represent "Iranian women?"

Also, who are the "intelligent people" you are referring to?

Even if we accept your argument that these two ladies, Mona and Tahiri, are promoting their religion(This a free site and they have the right to do so.), why do you think they should not be able to do that while promoting women's rights?

Is there only one approach to achieving "Women's Emancipation?"

Come off your high horse and try to live with the idea that there are others who are truely concerned about such issues as Women's Emancipation and Human Rights, but they think differently from you!