Born: 1967 (Tehran, Iran)
Biography:
Parvin Ardalan (Persian: پروین اردلان; born 1967 in Tehran) is a leading Iranian women’s rights activist, writer, and journalist with a Kurdish background. Despite not speaking Kurdish, Ardalan has made significant contributions to the fight for equal rights for men and women in Iran. Her dedication to this cause has earned her recognition both within Iran and internationally.
In the 1990s, Ardalan, along with Noushin Ahmadi Khorasani and others, played a crucial role in establishing the Women’s Cultural Centre (Markaz-e Farhangi-ye Zanan). Since its establishment, the center has served as a hub for cultivating feminist opinions, analyzing women’s issues, and documenting the challenges faced by women in Iran. Ardalan’s tireless efforts played a pivotal role in shaping the center’s vision and work.
Ardalan’s commitment to challenging censorship led her to become the editor of Zanestan, Iran’s first online magazine focused on women’s rights. Despite facing constant censorship and the need to change the magazine’s name regularly, Zanestan has remained a source of information and support for Iranian women. The magazine has covered a wide range of topics including marriage, prostitution, education, AIDS, and violence against women, raising awareness and igniting important conversations.
Collaborating with Noushin Ahmadi Khorasani, Ardalan co-authored a book that shed light on the remarkable achievements of Mehrangiz Manouchehrian, Iran’s first female lawyer. Titled Senator: The Work of Senator Mehrangiz Manouchehrian in the Struggle for Legal Rights for Women, the book received the prestigious Latifeh Yarshater Book Award in 2004. Through their work, Ardalan and Khorasani brought attention to the struggles and triumphs of women fighting for their rights in Iran’s legal system.
Ardalan’s influence extends beyond her writing and activism. She is one of the founders of the One Million Signatures Campaign, a movement aimed at collecting a million signatures to support women’s equal rights in Iran. Ardalan has fearlessly participated in protests organized by the campaign, often facing violent suppression and persecution. In 2007, Ardalan and Khorasani were sentenced to three years in prison for threatening the national security due to their advocacy for women’s rights. This harsh sentence was later imposed on four more women’s rights activists, highlighting the oppressive conditions faced by activists in Iran.
In 2012, Ardalan’s commitment to women’s rights was recognized by the Swedish Migration Board. They granted her permanent residency in Sweden, where she had relocated three years earlier. This decision provided Ardalan with a safe haven and a platform to continue her work in championing gender equality.
Parvin Ardalan has dedicated her life to advocating for women’s rights in Iran and has faced numerous challenges along the way. Her activism, writing, and leadership have made a significant impact on the feminist movement in Iran and have inspired many others to join the cause. Through her relentless determination and unwavering commitment, Ardalan continues to push for a more equal and just society for women in Iran.
Awards:
– Olof Palme Prize (2007)