In Iran, women’s rights are starting to become less of a dependent upon who is in ruling power, and more of its own independent movement. Iranian women have just recently been granted the ability to attend men’s soccer matches, and while this is a huge step forward for the feminist movement in the Middle East, female athletes are concerned it is simply placing more attention on mens’ athletics. The Iranian women’s football team qualified for the next round of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, dominated the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) championship qualifiers, and advanced to the next round of the AFC tournament. The women on the team continuously receive backlash despite being mothers, students, and extraordinary athletes all at once. The blame of several families not being taken care of is placed onto women who strive to excel in their own careers versus having children and staying home to tend to their husbands, the elderly, and the young. On an international level, the now noticed success of the women’s football team has been a much larger step for the feminist movement than any granted rights to further support men. Iranian government has continued to dissolve several movements in the past. In 1910, the first Women’s journal was published by a woman and in 1933 it was abolished. In the 1980’s, dress codes were enforced strictly and are still being fought today. Child marriage is still prevalent, education is scarcely available, and although women are permitted to take part in activities such as sports, they are often shamed for it. Maryam Irandoost, a former coach and professional football player herself claims that women athletes are just as (if not more) committed to achieving success within this sport as their male counterparts. She hopes that the energy is not only an inspiration for better play, but an inspiration for women around the world.
