A Genuine Civil Society and Its Implications for the Iranian Women's Movement

The emergence of a genuine civil society with its democratic elements is of significant importance in furthering women's rights. This article explores the interrelation between democratization and the women's movement in Iran. In view of the fact that the pursuance of women's rights itself is part of the process of democratization, it is demonstrated that the fulfillment of women's rights cannot be postponed until the emergence of an ideal society, that is, an open society. This article also examines how the women's press, in the absence of a proper political party system, has become a key space wherein the debates about women's issues have been articulated.