In 1979, Iran underwent an Islamic revolution that had a big impact on the women of Iran.

The founders of the revolution wanted to endorse a harder version of Islamic law, restoring traditional religious principles that had been abandoned by the pro-Western Iranian leaders of previous Iranian governments.

The new code limited women's freedoms and their roles in politics, education and everyday life. Today, Iranian women are engrossed in a struggle to reclaim freedoms they were forced to give up, and their campaigns have resulted in some success.

 Under codes established during the revolution, women were expected to wear modest clothing.  Clothing which  leaves only the face and hands exposed. Makeup was also out, since it was thought to be a threat to women's purity and a very dangerous distraction for men.

Yet in recent years, an increasing number of women have begun to defy such rules by wearing lipstick, painting their nails and wearing their veils loosely to expose their hair--often risking retaliation from conservatives and the police.



According to observers, the growth in the number of educated women will have a profound effect on Iranian society in the future. "In the last two years, the percentage of women students has jumped significantly, and this is a very important signal to our society," says Elaheh Koulai,   dean at Teheran University and politician.  "The phenomenon will change the country in ways we cannot even predict as they enter the labor market and the professions."