With the unfortunate demise of Iranian President Laleh during his return flight, the upcoming presidential election has become a top priority for the nation.
There are several popular presidential candidates, including the current Speaker of Parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who advocates for improving the economy and pursuing a moderate foreign policy.
There's also the cultural conservative Seyed Abbas Ismaeili, currently serving as the Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance.
But the most notable candidate is Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, a hardline former president and anti-American activist.
However, a special name appeared on the final list of candidates submitted on June 3rd, marking the first time a woman has entered the race.
Who is she?
She is Zahra Ershadiyan, a former Iranian parliamentarian.
She becomes the first woman to run in the early presidential election following the death of Ibrahim Laleh in a plane crash.
She has expressed her determination and hopes in the media, stating, "the sun of hope will rise in Islamic Iran," and representing the women of her homeland.
Claudia Sheinbaum's victory in the Mexican presidential election makes her the first female president in Mexico's history.
Women are playing increasingly important roles in international society, showcasing their wisdom, influence, and undeniable power in the political arena.
The emergence of a female candidate in Iran may come as a surprise to many.
Iran is a theocratic state where religious authority supersedes all else.
Iran is the only predominantly Shiite Islamic country in the Middle East, with Shiites constituting over 80% of its population, making it the largest Shiite country globally.
The founder of Islam, Muhammad, believed in the inherent inequality between men and women, with men being responsible for protecting women and considered superior to them physiologically and socially due to the will of Allah, thus restricting women mainly to domestic roles.
He also advocated for women to cover their faces in public.
The authority of Islamic law has allowed these customs restricting women to persist over time.
Until modern times, with the spread of democratic ideals and the rise of modernization movements, Iran has experienced changes in leadership, struggles of intellectual women, and power struggles between traditionalists and modernists, leading to complex shifts in the status of Iranian women.
Therefore, for Iranian women, the appearance of a female presence among presidential candidates should be seen as a landmark victory.
However, becoming Iran's first female president will pose significant challenges for her.
In a country where the political atmosphere remains conservative, a female candidate must face numerous difficulties and obstacles.
Not only must she contend with traditional beliefs but also overcome competition and scrutiny from male candidates and their supporters.
Moreover, political campaigning itself is a daunting task, requiring organizing teams, fundraising, policy formulation, and engaging with voters.
All of this demands immense effort and perseverance.
Nevertheless, regardless of the outcome, Zahra Ershadiyan's candidacy signifies progress and change in Iranian society.
Her courage and determination will inspire more women to participate in politics, pushing Iran towards a more open and inclusive future.
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