The Idea of an Essay, Volume 2

64 circumstances.” The question of why the current state of Iran is bleak for an intelligent young daughter like Termeh is left unanswered. The subtleties in A Separation lead the viewer to wonder about the current struggle for gender equality in Iran today, after the Iranian Revolution of 1979 reversed efforts of egalitarianism. In order to interpret the subtleties of the film, one must understand the events in Iran that led up to its current turmoil: the White Revolution, the Iranian Revolution, and the current Women’s Rights movement in modern Iran. The White Revolution of 1963 led by Reza Shah Pahlavi was the culmination of efforts of women that started at the very beginning of the 20th century. In Iran during the 1800s, the majority believed that Iranian women did not need education apart from the knowledge necessary to raise children, manage a home, and honor the family name (Nashiravani). However, at the beginning of the 20th century, Iran could no longer stand at odds with the modernization of the rest of the world. Women were at the forefront leading this change, desiring education and equal opportunities for civic involvement. As a result, in 1906, schools opened byAmerican missionaries and French immigrants allowed young girls to enroll and a year later, a society of both men and women formed to herald cross-gender political debate and discussion, encouraging women to be involved in sociopolitical matters. This society was called The Women’s Freedom Society and later became The National Ladies’ Society (Nashiravani). When Reza Shah Pahlavi was crowned king in 1925 the progress accelerated. The dawn of the Pahlavi era was the harbinger of economic, social, and political reforms to make Iran a global power. This period of time is known as The White Revolution. The Shah realized that Iran could not join modern society if gender equality was not addressed (Wright). Reza Shah initiated four incredible changes in 1936. In the realm of education, both men and women were admitted to Tehran University. In the realm of politics, women obtained the right to vote and run for parliament. In the realm of family, women gained the right to petition for divorce and gain child custody, when in the past men could both declare divorce and take custody of children by default (Wright). Lastly, during the White Revolution, the Shah removed the mandatory chador for women.