foucault-and-the-iranian-revolution-janet-afary

Appendix 245
Khomeini does not have the necessary capacities, even at an illusory level,
to be a Robespierre or a Lenin. They were not archbishops . He could be a
Savonarola or, if power inspires him with some politically practical ideas, a
Calvin or a Cromwell. Let us hope for the Iranian people that he does not
reveal himself to be a Dupanloup tending toward a Torquemada. 104
Statement by I ra n ian Women Protestors
Read out during a demonstration at the Ministry of Justice, Te hran, March 10, 1979.
Whereas all human beings are created free, and the gift of freedom has been
granted to them equally, regardless of gender, color, race, language, and opinion;
Whereas half of the population of Iran is composed of women, whose
influence on the education ofthe next generation, as well as their own participation
in social, educational, political, and economic matters, is undeniable;
Whereas women's selfless participation in the opposition to imperialism
and despotism has been an important dimension of the Iranian Revolution,
and their contribution to the victory of the revolution has been admitted
and accepted by all active sectors of the revolution;
Whereas in the very difficult days of this nation , politically active women
made many sacrifices that were recognized by the leader of the revolution;
Whereas according to the messages, interviews, and statements of Ayatollah
Khomeini, women were promised freedom, equality, and inclusion in all
social and political rights, and were explicitly promised that they will not be
forced back fourteen hundred years;
We Iranian women announce the following demands:
1. We women perform our social obligations fer the nation alongside the
men, and at home are responsible for the education of the future generation.
We are fully capable and are quite aware of the need to maintain our dignity,
character, and honor. Though we have strong convictions concerning
the need to maintain women's dignity, we also believe that a woman's honor
is not dependent on a particular form of covering. Rather, women's clothing
must be left to them according to traditio n , customs, and the needs of the
environment .
2. Women's equality in civil liberties must be recognized, and all forms
of prejudice in these laws and Family Rights Laws must be removed.
3. The political, social, and economic rights of women must be main­
tained and guaranteed without prejudice .