Born: December 13, 1919 (Tehran or Isfahan, Iran)
Died: October 2008 (Paris)
Biography:
Mehrangiz Dowlatshahi was an influential Iranian social activist and politician who made significant contributions to women’s rights and societal development in Iran. She was born on December 13, 1919, with conflicting reports on whether her birthplace was Tehran or Isfahan. Her family, progressive aristocrats based in Kermanshah, were major landowners. Her father, Mohammad Ali Mirza, also known as Meshkout Al Dowleh, was a member of the Qajar dynasty and a member of the Majlis. Her mother, Akhtar ol-Mulk, was the daughter of Hidayat Quli Khan. Dowlatshahi was also the cousin of Esmat Dowlatshahi, the fourth wife of Reza Shah.
Dowlatshahi received a comprehensive education, beginning with attending a co-education kindergarten, which was an uncommon practice for Iranian girls at the time. She then graduated from the Zoroastrian School in Tehran. Afterward, she pursued higher education and obtained a bachelor’s degree from Berlin University. She later achieved a PhD in social and political sciences from Heidelberg University.
Throughout her career, Dowlatshahi was dedicated to improving the welfare and rights of women and worked tirelessly towards achieving gender equality in Iran. She worked at the social services organization and the organization for support of prisoners, where she prioritized advocating for marginalized individuals. Dowlatshahi also played a crucial role in establishing the Rah-e No (New Way) society, which later became part of the International Women’s Syndicate. This society provided women with training opportunities and campaigned for equal rights for women in Iranian society. She also initiated adult literacy programs in southern Tehran, aiming to empower individuals through education.
In 1951, Dowlatshahi met with Mohammad Reza Shah and Safeyeh Firouz to discuss the electoral rights of women in Iran, demonstrating her commitment to political engagement and gender equality. She served as the director of the advisory committee on international affairs of the Women’s Organization of Iran (WOI). In recognition of her leadership and dedication, she was appointed as the president of the International Council of Women in 1973, a position she held until 1976.
Dowlatshahi’s commitment to women’s rights led to her election as a member of the Majlis in 1963, where she represented Kermanshah. Over her three terms in office, she played a pivotal role in the passing and expansion of the family protection law, which aimed to safeguard the rights and well-being of families in Iran. Dowlatshahi also made history by becoming the first woman ambassador of Imperial Iran to Denmark in 1975, further breaking barriers and paving the way for future female diplomats.
However, her diplomatic career was cut short by the 1979 revolution, which led to her leaving Iran and settling in Paris. Despite being in exile, Dowlatshahi continued her activism and intellectual contributions. In 2002, she published a book titled Society, Government, and Iran’s Women’s Movement, which delved into the social and political dynamics surrounding women’s rights in Iran.
Mehrangiz Dowlatshahi passed away in October 2008 in Paris, leaving behind a lasting legacy and impact on the women’s movement in Iran. Her unwavering dedication to gender equality and her significant contributions to shaping Iran’s laws and social policies have solidified her place in history as a remarkable trailblazer.
Awards:
– DNK Order of Danebrog Grand (specific date unknown)