Iranian women have suffered multiple hardships in recent years, from economic sanctions to COVID-19 to the struggle for bodily autonomy and the right to choose what they wear in public. In the face of such adversity, Iranian women have exhibited remarkable resilience, employing various coping mechanisms, helping to provide for their loved ones and in the process, improving their status within families and society at large.
This piece delves into the stories of three women — a self-employed nail artist, Narges, and handbag designers Maryam and Marzieh– shedding light on their determination to survive and protect their families. Despite the obstacles posed by sanctions and the complexities of Iran’s economic structure, they have navigated through challenges, defying the odds through ingenious solutions and support from social networks. Their experiences illustrate the strength and resourcefulness of Iranian women as they seek to transform hardships into opportunities for growth.
Economic sanctions are a growing feature of the foreign policy landscape and have hit Iran particularly hard. Sanctions often bring unintended consequences for ordinary citizens, particularly vulnerable groups like women. Among the destructive impacts enumerated in a recent study are a decrease in women’s labor force participation and underutilization of women’s capabilities.
Traditionally, Iranian women have played essential roles as caregivers, homemakers, and mothers. However, increasing financial strain has transformed their roles, as they now juggle household duties and contribute to family financial stability. Additionally, as women have become more educated and skilled, they are taking on decision-making positions within the household, contributing to more egalitarian family dynamics.
One way Iranian women have risen to the challenge is by adopting prudent management practices. With limited access to imported goods and increasing costs of essentials, these women have mastered the art of budgeting. By carefully tracking expenditures and prioritizing essential needs, they strive to make ends meet for their families. In their hands, every hard-earned rial and toman becomes an opportunity to secure a better future for their loved ones.
Narges is a 36-year-old mother of twins whose husband lost his job as a painter when the pandemic began. Narges has found innovative ways to manage her household budget while also securing an additional source of income for her family. In an interview, she detailed the strategies she employs:
Narges is among the Iranian women who have reacted to limited job opportunities by seeking more education and skills. They have acquired new qualifications and refined their abilities by attending workshops and vocational training programs and pursuing higher education. This increases their chances of finding jobs and opens doors to entrepreneurial ventures contributing to a more diverse and resilient economy.
As economic sanctions took their toll on Narges’ family, she borrowed money from her retired grandmother to buy manicuring tools and enrolled in inexpensive courses offered by the government to obtain her nail certificate. Through an Instagram page, she advertised her work, contributing a new source of income to her family, and increasing her self-esteem.
Many women also turn to social networks to increase their economic resilience.
Community bonds have always held significant importance in Iranian culture, and they become even more critical during times of crisis. Family, friends, and neighbors come together, sharing resources, and providing mutual assistance. This camaraderie not only eases the burden of economic challenges but also nurtures a sense of solidarity, fortifying resolve to endure hardships together.
Maryam, who studied fabric design, shared her basement with another designer, Marzieh, now her business partner in making leather handbags. As they transformed their small workshop into a franchised brand throughout Iran — @juste_leather on Instagram — their families, friends, and neighbors bought their products, advertised them on their social media platforms, and helped overcome obstacles. The collective effort ensured a steady supply of local products and fostered unity and cooperation among community members. Fellow women entrepreneurs encouraged Maryam and Marzieh to exchange ideas, resources, and marketing strategies within their support network. This enabled community members to strengthen their businesses and adapt to challenges.
Economic sanctions often disrupt supply chains, making access to imported goods difficult. Iranian women have turned to local production and craftsmanship. Urban gardening, home-based businesses, and collective initiatives have blossomed.
Iranian women also prioritize health and well-being. They understand that caring for themselves is crucial to their ability to help their families. Many women find solace in activities that promote mental and emotional well-being, such as exercise, meditation, and creative pursuits. Narges said she socializes with friends in public spaces like national parks, takes long walks, and writes in a journal to safeguard her mental peace amid the pressures and responsibilities she endures.
Entrepreneurial spirit has empowered Iranian women to break free from traditional gender roles and achieve financial independence. Their greater sense of empowerment has also been reflected in the leading role women have played in recent protests, particularly against the compulsory hijab law, which requires women to wear a headscarf in public spaces. Despite facing fines, imprisonment, and even worse, Iranian women have fearlessly taken to the streets to express their dissent, especially since the death in police custody in September 2022 of a young Kurdish woman, Mahsa Amini. By removing their headscarves in public, these brave women reclaim their agency and demand the right to make personal choices about their bodies and clothing.
The hijab protests have sparked crucial conversations about individual freedom and women’s autonomy, challenging societal norms and advocating for a more inclusive and equal society in Iran. Some of the most traditional households in the country have begun embracing a more progressive perspective, realizing that true faith should not be imposed but rather stem from the freedom to choose. Together, these families are learning the value of empathy and respect for differing beliefs, transforming their discourse, and inspiring hope for a more inclusive future. Although these accomplishments may appear modest, they hold immense significance in a country as religious and conservative as Iran.
In conclusion, it’s important to note that the impact of Iran’s challenges on women is complex and multifaceted. While some women may struggle to cope, others find ways to adapt through resilience, resourcefulness, and community support. From prudent financial management and alternative sources of income to fostering strong networks and prioritizing self-sufficiency, Iranian women have demonstrated their determination to weather the storm. As they continue to adapt and innovate in the face of uncertainty about Iran’s future trajectory, their stories serve as a testament to the strength and fortitude of women in difficult circumstances and repressive societies.
Maryam Rezaei Zadeh is a Faculty Assistant and Mentor for Persian House, part of the Persian Capstone year-long program at the Persian Flagship Program, University of Maryland. She holds a Master’s in Public Policy from the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy. Her research and academic interests lie at the intersection of international security and relations, focusing on empowering and advocating for women’s and marginalized groups’ rights in the Middle East