Khamenei Criticizes 'Gender Equality': These Deceived Ignorants Disparage Women's Housekeeping

The leader of the Islamic Republic criticized the promotion of concepts such as 'gender justice' and 'gender equality', stating that 'Western thinkers' also regret pursuing these topics. According to the state news agency IRNA, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei expressed hope that 'the intention of those who raise such discussions within the country is not the same incorrect Western concept'. In a meeting with several mourners, Khamenei criticized individuals who, according to him, 'damage the image of Islam regarding women by highlighting incomplete and empty Western statements'. He added, 'These deceived ignorants disparage women's housekeeping, while housekeeping means raising humans and producing the highest product and commodity of existence, which is humanity'. Khamenei also stated that 'placing women as commodities and tools for enjoyment is likely part of the Zionist conspiracies aimed at destroying human society'. He further noted, 'Unfortunately, sometimes in the country and in some Islamic environments, duties and expectations regarding women are raised that, in fact, belittle and demean women'. Khamenei also referred to the promotion of concepts like 'gender justice' and 'gender equality' in the West, adding, 'Today, Western thinkers and those who pursued issues such as gender equality regret their actions due to the resulting corruption, and we hope that the intention of those who raise such discussions within the country is not the same incorrect Western concept'. The leader of the Islamic Republic had previously stated on Saturday, April 30, that he considered 'the equality of women and men' as 'wrong' and said that women's issues cannot be examined separately from the family. Khamenei's remarks come at a time when officials in Hassan Rouhani's government have repeatedly emphasized the implementation of 'gender justice'. Shahindokht Molaverdi, the Vice President for Women and Family Affairs, stated in December that all executive bodies are required to implement the gender justice approach in the next five years. Meanwhile, Hassan Rouhani, the President of Iran, has repeatedly emphasized the need to transform views towards women and their 'equal use' of social facilities. On March 5, he stated that 'the duties of women cannot be confined to the home. One cannot say that mountains, forests, and recreation are for men, and God created a three-by-four kitchen for women'. He emphasized that some must 'emerge from the traditional state of centuries ago; if they do not, powerful women will pull them out of this state'. Women's rights activists say that some laws of the Islamic Republic in Iran are anti-women. So far, the Guardian Council has not approved any woman as a candidate for the presidential elections. In Iran, hijab is also mandatory, and women do not have the right to attend sports halls as spectators. Reports also indicate that women's unemployment in Iran is higher than that of men, and women do not have equal job opportunities. Meanwhile, over five hundred women's rights activists, coinciding with March 8, International Women's Day, issued a statement calling for the government, officials, and decision-makers in Iran to pay attention to women's demands. The statement included issues such as 'creating a foundation and taking action for the equality of all individuals in society regardless of gender in the presence of the law and in the context of supportive laws', 'policy-making and mandating equal pay for women and men', 'creating a free space for the independent activities of civil associations in the women's field to actively participate in all social, cultural, and political arenas', 'facilitating the active and equal participation of women as their citizenship rights in economic, political, social, cultural, and managerial fields, regardless of political affiliations', and 'involving women in law-making by establishing communication between women representatives in independent civil organizations and governmental and legislative bodies'. Asma Jahangir, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Iran, stated in her first report that restrictions on freedom of expression and discrimination against women and religious minorities continue in this country. In this context, the Women's Fraction of Parliament is working to amend laws related to the marriage age of girls. Molaverdi reported an increase in unemployment and addiction rates among girls. The head of the Women's Basij stated that the judiciary should deal with gender equality activists.