Imam Khomeyni and the Women’s Political Participation

By adopting a different and unique attitude towards women, Imam Khomeyni not only provided them with legal and ethical support but also affirmed and set the stage for their political participation. In his view, women, like men, are independent. In addition, given the abilities and responsibilities of women, Imam Khomeyni respected them and said: “Islam has made women equal to men. both men and women enjoy authority in Islam, if there is a difference between the two, it is their natures.”

As for women’s freedom, he said, “Islam is not only in favour of women’s freedom, but it is the founder of freedom in all aspects of women’s existence and life.” In fact, Muslim women can achieve freedom in the community through adhering to Islamic and religious principles.

Imam Khomeyni has always had a respectful and sacred view regarding women: “A woman is a human being, a great one.” This is a view that is rarely seen in other schools of thought or approaches. In fact, Imam Khomeyni’s goal was that human beings including men and women should achieve their true status in society. “We want women to reach the transcendent status of humanity.”

It is based on this view of women that Imam Khomeyni emphasizes their political role and says, “Women must engage in the affairs of the country...” because, since they are half of the society, their participation in politics can play a significant role in the development of the society. For this reason, Imam Khomeyni calls women “the leaders of the movement: you are the leaders of the movement, women are the leaders of our movement. We are following them. I accept your leadership.”

Thus, Imam Khomeyni not only believed in the permissibility of the presence and participation of women in political affairs but also encouraged them to do so. He calls on women to do political and social works while observing chastity and hijab: “All women and men must be involved in political and social affairs, control the activities of the parliament and government, and express their views.”

Also, he emphasized that women should be actively involved in election-related activities: “You should be involved in all fields as long as Islam permits such as the election that today is the main issue of the country. Women in Iran should be involved in election-related activities because when it comes to the fate of the nation, there is no difference between you and others.”

The importance of women’s social participation in social affairs for Imam Khomeyni was such that he sent a woman to accompany the delegation which carried his message to Mikhail Gorbachev (the former President of the Soviet Union) in an attempt to convey the message of the importance of women’s participation in politics to the world. In sum, according to Imam Khomeyni, women, while observing the Islamic principles, can attain their real rights and status and should be active in social and political spheres.