Zeynab Society
The "Zeynab Society (S.A.A)" (Persian: جامعه زینب (س)) is an Iranian traditional[5] principlist all-female political,[3] cultural and advocacy group[6] affiliated with the Front of Followers of the Line of the Imam and the Leader.[7] It is known for leading a parliamentary group of women in 1980s–1990s,[3] as well as lobbying for gender issues within an Islamic prism.[6]
Zeynab Society جامعه زینب | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Secretary-General | Aʿzam Hājī-Abbāsī[1] |
| Spokesperson | Táhirih Rahīmī |
| Deputy | Effat Shariati[2] |
| Founder | Mariam Behruzi[3] |
| Founded | 1986[3] |
| Legalised | November 20, 1991[4] |
| Headquarters | Tehran, Iran |
| Ideology | |
| Political position | Right-wing[5] |
| Religion | Islam |
| National affiliation | Front of Followers of the Line of the Imam and the Leader |
| Website | |
| jaamezeinab | |
| |
The society was founded in 1986 by the parliament member Maryam Behrouzi, using state budgets acquired with the personal approval of Ayatollah Khomeini.[3]
Platform
The society advocates promotion of cultural, political, social and ideological activities for women, favors obligatory hijab and opposes male–female fraternization.[6] Moreover, it is against the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women and supports polygyny and sex segregation.[8]
The group's name refers to Zaynab bint Ali, an emblematic woman in Shiite Islamist ideology, renowned for her oratory during and in the aftermath of the Battle of Karbala and seen as a “symbol of resistance.”[3] The group has branches nationwide, oversees eight women–only seminaries in Qom and some Qur'anic institutions.[6]
Members
Many of the members are wives of politicians and businessmen, female talibat and charity workers.[5] Notable members include former MPs Monireh Nobakht, Parvin Salihi, Fatemeh Alia, Effat Shariati, Eshrat Shayegh, Nafiseh Fayyazbakhsh and Marzieh Vahid-Dastjerdi.[2][5]
MPs
| Years | Seats | +/– |
|---|---|---|
| 1986–88 | 1 / 270 (0.4%) | N/A |
| 1988–92 | 1 / 270 (0.4%) |  |
| 1992–96 | 8 / 270 (3%) |  |
| 1996–00 | 5 / 270 (2%) |  |
| 2000–04 | 0 / 290 (0%) | |
| 2004–08 | 7 / 290 (2%) | |
| 2008–12 | 4 / 290 (1%) | |
| 2012–16 | 3 / 290 (1%) | |
| 2016– | 0 / 290 (0%) | |
References
- "Iran, July 19: A New Movement for Women's Rights?". EA WorldView. 19 July 2015. Retrieved 21 April 2016.
- "All Women of Islamic Consultative Assembly: 78 Seats, 49 Women" (in Persian). BBC Persian. 4 February 2016. Retrieved 21 April 2016.
- Arash Azizi (15 March 2015). "Iran's female MPs show mixed record". Al-Monitor. Retrieved 21 April 2016.
- "List of Legally Registered Parties in Iran". Khorasan Newspaper. Pars Times. July 30, 2000. p. 4. Retrieved 21 August 2015.
- Mohammad Ali Zandi. "Zeynab Society" (in Persian). Baqir al-Ulum Research Institute. Retrieved 21 August 2015.
- Vakil, Sanam (2011), Women and Politics in the Islamic Republic of Iran: Action and Reaction, A&C Black, pp. 79–80, ISBN 9781441197344
- Moslem, Mehdi (2002), Factional Politics in Post-Khomeini Iran, Syracuse University Press, p. 53, ISBN 9780815629788
- Masoud Kazemzadeh (2008), "Intra-Elite Factionalism and the 2004 Majles Elections in Iran", Middle Eastern Studies, 44 (2): 189–214, doi:10.1080/00263200701874867 – via Taylor and Francis Online (subscription required)
