Zahra Rahnavard’s reaction to the passing of Zahra Shojaei: She was always alongside women, not against them.
In mourning Zahra Shojaei, Zahra Rahnavard wrote: In the name of the compassionate and merciful God, and in mourning Dr. Zahra Shojaei.
Dr. Zahra Shojaei was one of the few officials who was consistently alongside women, not against them.
She is one of the distinguished women of Iran, whose academic and research background, along with her support for women’s studies and research at universities, including the University of Tehran and Alzahra University, has presented a magnificent list of her scholarly and activist personality for the nation to judge.
During her tenure in Mr. Khatami’s government, despite facing three major obstacles: 1. Outdated laws contrary to the needs of the modern world, 2. The ancient patriarchal system, 3. The misogynistic culture of the ruling authority, Mrs. Shojaei persistently advocated for the glorious presence of women in all areas of agency.
Freedom in lifestyle and the enhancement of expression, writing, and thought for all people, especially women, were goals that Mrs. Shojaei never hesitated to pursue.
The untimely death of Mrs. Zahra Shojaei is a great loss for all of us. I ask the merciful God for mercy, patience, and endurance for her family, friends, the people of Iran, and especially the women’s community of our country.