Molaweardi: We Want to Reform the Law Requiring Husband's Permission for Women's Exit

The issue of "husband's permission for Iranian women to leave the country" became controversial after the husband of the captain of Iran's women's futsal national team prevented her from leaving the country. In the latest response, the Deputy for Women's Affairs and Family of the President stated that until the law is reformed, they will try to ensure that active women in science and athletes can attend international conferences and competitions. Recently, Niloufar Ardalan, the 30-year-old captain and midfielder of the Iranian women's futsal national team, was unable to leave the country and missed the competitions due to her passport being confiscated by her husband, Mehdi Toutounji. Now, Shahindokht Molaweardi, the Deputy for Women's Affairs and Family of the Iranian President, without mentioning Ms. Ardalan's name, told the Iranian Students' News Agency (ISNA) that she has received hundreds of emails from citizens protesting against husbands preventing women from leaving for various reasons. According to Ms. Molaweardi, this issue relates to Article 18 of the Passport Law, which states that women need their husband's permission to leave the country. The Deputy for Women's Affairs and Family of the President stated that the situation for women has certainly changed compared to the past, and women today have found ways to free themselves from this law. According to Shahindokht Molaweardi, some women obtain power of attorney from their husbands to leave the country, but "unfortunately, not everyone is aware of these matters and lacks knowledge." She stated that the Women's and Family Affairs Office is "seriously seeking to reform the law," and until this law is reformed, which she predicts will happen soon, they will seek exceptions and will definitely strive for the successful exit of women from the country. Niloufar Ardalan recently requested the Islamic Republic Football Federation to resolve her issue so she can accompany the national team in the next competitions. According to the Passport Law in the Islamic Republic, married women need written consent from their husbands to leave the country and, in emergencies, permission from the prosecutor. Accordingly, if a woman's husband prevents her from leaving the country, her passport will be confiscated until the obstacle is removed. In 2013, a bill was presented to the Islamic Consultative Assembly to amend the Passport Law, which would further restrict women's ability to leave Iran. This bill was ultimately removed from the agenda.