Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1
PhD student in Political Sociology, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran
2
Department of Political Sciences, Ardakan University, Ardakan
3
Professor, Department of Political Science and International Relations, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran.
4
Department of Political Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, Razi University
10.22054/qpss.2026.85665.3602
Abstract
This article comparatively examines women’s political empowerment in the Islamic Republic of Iran during the presidencies of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Hassan Rouhani, focusing on three core dimensions: choice, agency, and participation. The study explores women’s position across these indicators under the two administrations and argues that political empowerment in Iran has developed as a dynamic, multidimensional, and state-mediated process shaped by changing governmental policy orientations. Using a descriptive-analytical method, the research draws on documentary sources and secondary analysis of available statistical data. Findings indicate that in the dimension of choice, despite continuing legal and jurisprudential limitations, gradual legal reforms and legislative initiatives—particularly those related to women’s dignity and amendments to passport regulations—contributed to expanding women’s rights and decision-making opportunities. In terms of agency, the growth of women’s non-governmental organizations and their increasing presence in civic, media, and professional spheres demonstrate the strengthening of women’s collective capacity for social action. Regarding participation, women’s representation in elected and appointed positions generally increased across both periods, though with differing policy approaches. Overall, women’s political empowerment in Iran has advanced gradually through institutional reforms, expanding civic engagement, and evolving state policies, while remaining influenced by persistent structural and ideological constraints.
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