Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
While things are casual at home, Iranian women are expected not to
show their hair or show of the shape of their body in public. h is means
that, when out and about, a proper woman covers everything except her face
and hands. h ere are two key components to traditional dress: Hijab (“hih-
JOB”) means to be dressed modestly, with the head covered under a scarf.
h e chador (“shah-DORE”) is a head-to-toe black cloak wrapped around
the front and over the head. All women must follow hijab rules, and many
older, rural, and traditional women choose to wear a chador.
In addition to the dress code, Iranian women face other limitations. h ey're
relegated to separate classrooms and sections in mosques. While they are wel-
come at more genteel sports, they are not allowed to attend soccer games (for
fear that they might overhear some foul language from the impassioned fans).
On the subway, women
have two options: Ride
with men in the mixed
cars, or in a separate,
women-only car. (When
I questioned an Iranian
woman about this, she
said, “Perhaps the women
of New York wished they
had a car only for them
to avoid the men on their
subway trains.”)
From a Western
viewpoint, it's disrespect-
ful (at best) to impose
these regulations on women. But from a strict Muslim perspective, it's the
opposite: Mandated modesty is a sign of great respect. In the Islamic Republic
of Iran, women's bodies are not vehicles for advertising. Having scantily clad
babes selling cars at a trade show would be considered unacceptably disre-
spectful. You don't see sexy magazines. h ere is almost no public display of
af ection. In theory, the dress code provides a public “uniform,” allowing men
and women to work together without the distractions of sex and l irtation.
Still not buying it? You're not the only one. Local surveys indicate that
about 70 percent of these women would dress more freely in public, if allowed.
Many push the established bounds of decency—with belts dei ning the shape
Women can choose to ride in segregated subway
cars. Rather than an oppressive measure, this of ers a
welcome option to sit apart from strange men.
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