In Iran, all women, tourists, or residents must cover their hair while in public. It is not necessary to wear a hijab, but the hair must be covered while in a public area. Furthermore, most Iranian women prefer only to cover the top of their heads, letting only a little hair show from the back of the headscarf. This tradition has lasted over the years and does not seem to waiver. However, every country has its own laws and beliefs. Therefore, it should not seem strange to wear a hijab or a headscarf in Iran while you are on tour. To find out more about various rights for women in Iran, click on Maryam-rajavi.com.
Dress code in Iran
The hijab is an ordinary outfit in Iran. In the past, women were required to wear it when in public. However, the times have changed, and nowadays, they are only required to cover their heads in public places.
Headscarves are easily found in any local shop in Iran and are a must-wear while in the country. In winter, however, women can wear hats to keep warm.
When one is indoors, they have the freedom to wear whatever they want. Hence, if you are in a house or a hotel room, you can wear whatever you choose. Nonetheless, if you are invited to someone's house, a local, do not wear any revealing clothing because this is considered taboo.
When in women-only areas such as the salon, gyms, or washrooms, women can take off the hijab. As an Islamic nation, all women in Iran, regardless of their nationality, are required to follow the law by wearing the hijab and not wearing any revealing clothes.
Women rights in Iran
Though some strides have been made regarding women's rights, women are still largely disregarded by law. In Iran, women do not have any legal protections against sexual harassment or domestic violence. Therefore, if anyone sexually harasses you as a woman, no law protects you.
On the upside, however, in 1975, the Family Protection Law was instituted. Under this law, women have equal rights as men in marriage and divorce. Furthermore, this law also enhanced other women's rights, such as child custody. When in a custody battle, the woman has an equal chance as the man to get full custody.
Furthermore, the 1975 law raised the minimum age of marriage for women to 18. This would eliminate any underage marriages from taking place. Boys also had their minimum age for marriage raised to 20. The law also practically eliminates polygamy because women have equal rights as the man while they are married.
Sharia law has also made things better for women. Under this law, women can inherit half of what a man can. However, the law still largely favors men, but women are still at an advantage compared to the previous days. Under Article 21 of the Sharia Law, women now have the right to drive, attend school to the University level, and hold public office. While this is advancement, more still needs to be done to empower women equally.
Lack of safety for women in Iran
With all the legal inequities in Iran, women live with a systemic vulnerability that instils fear in their lives. In this country, women and girls who are suspected of having dishonored their clan's reputation are severely punished by a physical affliction of pain. Members of their own families also kill many women.
In this Islamic republic, misogynist violence is normalized, and women are seen as second-class citizens.
Conclusion
Women travel is not encouraged in Iran. However, if you should visit this country, remember to wear a Hijab or a headscarf and not wear any revealing clothing.
