WOMEN'S ACTIVISM IN THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN : political alliance and the formation of... deliberative civil society

Through an intersectional feminist re-reading of the Habermasian theoretical framework, this book analyses how women's activism has developed and operated in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Chapters look at three key areas of women's activism in Iran: how women deliberately engaged with media activism despite the government's controlling and repressive policies; women's involvement in civil society organisations, institutions and communities, and cooperation through multilevel activism; and women's activism in the political sphere and its connection with media and civil society activism despite the theocratic system. Drawing upon interviews, analyses of journal and newspaper articles and documentary/non-documentary films, as well as personal experiences, observations and communications, the book examines to what extent Iranian women's rights' groups and activists have collaborated not only with each other but with other social groups and activists to help facilitate the formation of a pluralist civil society capable of engaging in deliberative processes of democratic reform. This book will be of interest to scholars in Gender Studies and Middle Eastern Studies, particularly those who study women's and other social movements in Iran. Samira Ghoreishi is an Iranian feminist researcher and women's and children's rights advocate based in New Zealand. Her scholarship focuses on analysing women's public activism in non-secular and non-democratic contexts Acknowledgments Contents List of Figures Chapter 1: Introduction Why Is This Research Important? The Scholarly Context Research Methodology Research Theory and Conceptualization Research Method and the Scope of the Study Method of Analysis Research Limitations References Chapter 2: Theoretical Framework A Habermasian Model of Deliberative Engagement in the Public Sphere The Public Sphere and Rationalization Habermas’ Theory of Communicative Action Habermas’ Theory of Discourse Ethics Applying Habermas Model of the Public Sphere to Diverse Societies: Limitations and Solutions? What Are ‘Counterpublics’? The Quality of Relations Among Counterpublics Applying Habermas Model of Public Sphere in Non-secular Societies: Limitations and Solutions? Habermas’ Ideas on Religion and Secularism Redefinition of the Secular from a Historicized Approach Conclusion References Chapter 3: Women and Media: A Deliberative Engagement Media Landscape in Iran Women, Media, and the Rise of Diverse Voices Development of Deliberations Through the Press Zanan Magazine After the 1997 Reformist Movement Re-launching ‘Zanan’ After Six Years Public Activism and Development of Deliberations Through Cinema Conclusion References Chapter 4: Women and Civil Society Activism The Rise of Women’s Activism Through NGOs Development of Women’s Civil Society Activism One Million Signatures Campaign: A Promising Start for Promoting Cooperation Through Dialogue 2006 ‘22 Khordad Gathering’ (12 June 2006 Gathering) The Birth of ‘One Million Signatures Campaign’ Women’s Civil Society Activism in the Present Society Conclusion References Chapter 5: Women’s Parliamentary and Extra (Outside)-Parliamentary Activism Women in Cabinet, Parliament, and Parliament Elections Women’s Parliamentary Activism After 1997 Reformist Movement Strategic Shift in Women’s Parliamentary Activism: A Move Toward Deliberative Cooperation and Coalitions Women and City and Local Councils Women’s Activism and Presidential Elections Women’s Activism in the Shadow of the Green Movement: A Momentous Deliberative Cooperation The Rise of the Green Movement: A Green Wave of Hope Conclusion References Chapter 6: Conclusion References Index