Document Type : .

Authors

• Alie Javanmardi ¹
• Nasrolah Pourmohammadi Amlashi ²
• Hojjat Fallah Tootkar ³

¹ PhD student in Islamic Iranian History, Imam Khomeini International University, Qazvin, Iran.

² Professor of the Department of History, Imam Khomeini International University, Qazvin, Iran

³ Associate Professor, Department of History, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Imam Khomeini International University Qazvin,Qazvin, Itan

Abstract

Reza Shah's reign is considered a milestone in Iran's foreign developments. Reza Shah always wanted to create a balance between foreign powers and he considered modernization as one of the requirements of this path. Reza Shah's modernization programs targeted women as half of the society and reforms were made in this field. Hence, the West became the best model for women, and relations with other countries received the attention of the government and women activists. The main issue of the research is, what achievements have the presence of women in international arenas brought to women and the government? What effect has this communication had on the position of Iranian women? The current research, using descriptive and analytical methods and relying on documents and publications, aims to explain women's relations with other countries the holding of international women's congresses, and the impact of these interactions. The findings of the research show that the presence of women in the international arena helped to change the Westerners' view of Iranian women while achieving a suitable model for their own development. Also, the relationship of Iranian women with the women of other countries and the laws passed in the congresses were influential in improving the status of women, and Iranian women were influenced by the actions of Western women in their interaction with these countries in order to gain their individual and social rights.

Keywords

• Iranian Women
• International Relations
• Women'
• s Congress
• Reza Shah
• West

Extended abstract

The Presence of Iranian Women in International Arenas during the First Pahlavi Era: Impacts and Interactions

With the ascent of Reza Shah, an extensive project to shape a modern Iran was initiated. The era of the First Pahlavi, concerning women's issues and the formation of a new Iranian women's identity, is considered one of the defining periods in Iranian history. Reformist and centralizing programs, emphasizing the establishment of a unified national government as their main goal during Reza Shah's reign, led to numerous reforms, including reforms in the social status of women.

Reza Shah, like other rulers, was keen on modernization and recognized that no modernization effort could succeed without the active involvement and participation of women in the process of societal transformation. As a result, he took separate actions with the direct aim of influencing the status of women. One of his initiatives was to involve women in international arenas to expedite women's progress and showcase the advancements and the status of Iranian women to the world. Undoubtedly, the approval of laws in conferences and women's congresses could prove beneficial in enhancing women's performance in society.

The objective of this research is to describe women's initial relationships with other countries and to outline the organization of congresses and conferences related to women during the reign of Reza Shah. This paper seeks to answer the question: What achievements did women's presence in international arenas bring for women and the government? How has the process of women's involvement in international arenas unfolded? What impact have these connections had on the status of women? This article aims to, through the utilization of sources and with a descriptive and analytical approach, shed light on women's activities in international arenas and examine the effects of interactions and communications with the outside world.

Research Findings: The research findings indicate that during the reign of Reza Shah's government, policymakers on one hand aimed to utilize women's potential for modernizing society, and on the other hand, by sending female representatives to regional and international congresses, they sought to establish an international presence for their government. In fact, women's presence in international arenas not only allowed them to achieve an appropriate model for their own progress but also contributed to changing the Western perception of Iranian women. Furthermore, the interactions of Iranian women with women from other countries and the laws passed in these congresses had a significant impact on improving the status of women. Iranian women engaged in interactions with these countries, drawing inspiration from the actions of Western women in their quest to obtain individual and social rights.

In the case of women during the period under study, numerous books and articles have been written, each addressing different aspects of women's status. However, concerning the research topic, one can refer to the book "Kongre-ye Nesvan-e Sharq" by Salami and Najm-Abadi. The authors of this book provide a comprehensive account of the Eastern Women's Congress in Iran in the year 1311 SH (1932 CE) and thoroughly describe the speeches and addresses delivered during the congress. What distinguishes this research is that, in addition to describing the first presence of women in international arenas and explaining all women's congresses and conferences during the First Pahlavi era, it also investigates the impact of interactions between Iranian women and other countries.

"The Association of Women with a Focus on the Historical Roots of Women's Movements in Iran" by Maryam Fathi is another book in which she only refers to the "Eastern Women's Congress" and takes a unique perspective on women and the beginning of their interactions with Westerners. Therefore, in relation to the present research, no independent book or article has been conducted, and most of the sources for writing this research consist of documents and newspapers.

Discussion and Conclusion: In general, not only in Iran but also worldwide, women's participation in social and international activities is a manifestation of modernity and a relatively recent phenomenon. Essentially, their presence in international activities plays a significant role in the growth of women's interactions and ideologies. The entry of women into the international arena during the Pahlavi era is considered exceptional and remarkable, given the substantial restrictions during the Qajar period.

The first international missions of women and the first formal interactions and communications with the outside world occurred during the reign of Reza Shah. One of Reza Shah's goals in selecting ladies for such important assemblies was to demonstrate the progress of Iranian women and highlight his efforts for their advancement, as it provided him with a form of international prestige. Examples of these women included Sadiqeh Dowlatabadi, Sara Heidari, and other female representatives in international congresses and conferences who, through delivering speeches and interviews, aimed to showcase the improvement of women's status with Reza Shah's support. However, it is worth noting that while organizing such congresses had a promotional aspect for Reza Shah, in practical terms, it could be very enlightening for women.

In general, the organization of congresses and conferences related to women introduced Iranian women to Western-style principles of progress and advancement, which facilitated Reza Shah's desired rapid progress towards joining the caravan of Western civilization. The mindset of the speakers and many of the women participating in these congresses reflected their aspiration to emulate European and American women.

The presence of women in international arenas, whether on the part of the government or women's institutions and associations, represents a turning point in their involvement in society and social activities. Women's participation in international arenas allowed them to not only assert their presence but also to establish suitable models for their own growth and progress. On the other hand, due to the limitations faced by Iranian women, one of the advantages of their participation in international forums and gatherings was its potential to change the Western perspective and mindset regarding Iranian women.

Considering that women in the Reza Shah era were newcomers to international activities, the results of their efforts and actions can be observed in the Second Pahlavi era. Examining this aspect can greatly contribute to shedding light on the dimension of women's interactions with other countries and, in general, Iran's foreign relations during the reign of Mohammad Reza Shah.fdf

Keywords: Iranian Women, International Relations, Women's Congress, Reza Shah, West