Women have always played a central role in Iranians’ struggle for a more open society: As women push their agendas in theocratic and political discourse, they open space for debate on all issues, allowing for reform. Assyeh Miraghaie, currently a visiting scholar at Boston University, is a workshop trainer on women’s rights and civil society. Across Iran, she has educated and raised the capacity of women, including government employees. A political scientist who specializes in Iranian women’s political status, she has written numerous books, research reports, and articles on women’s political life and the political history of her country. (Last updated 02.2004)

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