The issue is still about power. As long as one group exercises power over another and there is inequality and discrimination, violence will continue to be reproduced in various forms. Gender-based violence is not exempt from this, but the difference is that it occurs in the most private sphere of individuals; where the foundation of one’s psychological security is formed. However, in Iran, the issue is more complicated. In Iran, the problem is not just a power struggle between men and women, but the existence of support and legal and customary facilities for violence. Here, the holders of power have full support of the law to exercise violence. In this conversation with Shahla Azizi, a sociologist and university professor, we will examine the reasons for gender-based violence in Iran and the legal support for it.

What is the root of gender-based violence in Iran considering the long history of patriarchy?

The historical roots of gender-based violence are not only in Iran, but in the whole world, it is patriarchy or modern-day male dominance. When one group exercises power over another, inequality is created; therefore, the issue of gender inequality can lead to violence in many cases. Gender-based violence has historical roots and there is always resistance against any historical injustice and oppression.

Historical patriarchy and modern masculinity have been criticized in the West and in Iran, and oppressed groups are trying to eliminate this issue. Masculinity, which is prevalent in our society and in other societies in various forms, has led to certain groups in society being subjected to sexual, gender-based, psychological, and other forms of violence based on their gender – mostly women in this case.

Can it be said that the exercise of power by men or the prevalence of violence towards women is a part of the culture or norm in Iranian society?

Men in Iran are allowed to use violence to advance their own interests in both public and private spheres and can force others to behave according to their will. Conflicting interests among individuals is natural and there are various ways to resolve these conflicts. One of these ways is through dialogue, but the simplest way is through violence. When it comes to the issue of domestic violence, women are forced to behave according to the will of men. This simplest way is seen as a means of power by the individual, but unfortunately it has very dangerous consequences not only for the victim of violence, but also for society and future generations, and it perpetuates the cycle of violence. The emphasis on domestic violence should not continue. On the other hand, this violence also exists in the public sphere.

What is the role of women in the reproduction of the cycle of violence?

Fortunately, this issue has been raised in Iran that the cycle of violence must first be eliminated within families. In the past, violence was seen as a form of discipline; meaning that if a woman was beaten by her husband, she or her relatives, who were mostly women, would ask her to correct her behavior. It seems that in today’s Iranian society, no one accepts this form of violence anymore and does not see it as a method of discipline; although in some cases, women may tolerate and endure it, but they are dissatisfied within themselves. Individual solutions can be used to combat violence, but to eliminate it, there must be social solutions; for example, there must be a movement in society for women to have a greater presence. Women must participate in civil society and pursue their demands in this way. Women wherever they live, must be active in their social conditions.

The issue of violence must be addressed publicly, as women usually do not have the means to protect themselves in private spheres in Iran. There is also a negative view that sees women as the cause of provocation and inciting men to violence; this view is completely unacceptable. No behavior or action, even if it is wrong, is violence. Just as violence is punishable in public spaces, it should also be in private spaces. Unfortunately, in Iran, there is no punishment for violence in private spheres, or if there is, it is so insignificant that it is not effective.

What is the importance of emphasizing the gendered nature of violence? Can’t we examine the concept of violence within its own context and then apply it to gender?

Abundance and repetition of gender-based violence is very high, even in the separation of the two genders, men and women. Violence can be examined in various areas such as war or politics, but in terms of gender-based violence, we see its presence in the most intimate areas of life. In the field that prepares individuals for society, there is violence; therefore, when we emphasize gender-based violence, it is not just about harming women, but also children are affected and this witness of violence by children and adolescents in a society causes them to learn violence as well. Considering the relationship between society and family, which both have an impact on each other, the cycle of violence continues. We must not forget that it is not only women or minorities who are victims of gender-based violence, but children are also part of this issue.

Why do victims of sexual violence remain silent in Iran?

Today, changes have been made compared to the past, where loud voices against sexual violence are being raised from various places; for example, I was involved in drafting a code of conduct on violence in universities. Despite thinking about how safe places like universities or educational environments should be, it is not the case and we witness activities against violence in public spaces.

We constantly consider a man as the perpetrator in cases of gender-based violence against a woman; when in reality, we have structural violence; meaning it is reflected in the structure of society, institutions, and especially in laws. This structural violence keeps certain groups away from social privileges, opportunities, and resources.

There is no possibility for prosecution regarding sexual harassment and abuse in public spaces, such as the workplace. The individual who is being harassed receives no support from their family, society, or the law. The only action that the family may take is to not allow the individual to continue their education or work, or to always have a man accompany them. There must always be a man’s shadow present to prevent other men from attacking. There is no possibility for filing a complaint in Iran. The cases that have existed until now have ended with the complainant being accused.

Today, gender-based violence is being discussed in public spaces, especially in the workplace and in the virtual world, and the ugliness of this issue has largely disappeared. Sometimes, for some men, sexual harassment, especially in the workplace, is a source of pride, and there are those who see sexual harassment as a form of masculinity, but due to the conditions created by the virtual space, people have become more aware of these issues. I hope that one day, proper legal measures will be taken to address gender-based violence in public spaces, especially in the workplace.

We need more than just legal support, we also need support organizations. Organizations that can support individuals affected by violence with psychological solutions, but ultimately it is not enough. We need major structural changes, which unfortunately no steps have been taken for. It is only women and girls who speak out and explain their conditions; perhaps this will lead somewhere.

Why does the government resist reforming laws in favor of women? Every supportive law takes years to be passed and in the end, it changes so much that it goes against its original purpose and meaning; instead, we witness the passing of new laws against women.

This resistance is due to the same power in the hands of men that considers women weak and worthless in this society. This is the same stereotypical perception of the government towards women. However, there is no shortage of educated, student, and active women who have proven themselves in their workplaces, public environments, and various fields. They believe that women are weak beings who only have the ability to bear children and be wives.

It is interesting that a particular individual had titled a book “Domestic Violence: Illegal Behavior Towards Spouse or Child in the Home”. While our laws are full of violent behaviors towards women. Therefore, there is no need for them to create change; even in the face of repeated requests to amend laws in favor of children and women, they modify these requests as if no change has occurred in the first place. On the other hand, the government always tries to promote violence; for example, polygamy and childbearing are constantly promoted. Childbearing is harmful for some women who have medical problems, but the government’s promotion against birth control and not using contraceptives is excessive, and they even pass laws against it. According to them, if someone cannot fulfill their main duty, which is childbearing, their life is not worth living. All of these are examples of legal violence.

Is there a difference in the prevalence of gender-based and sexual violence in large cities and small towns?

Research has shown that in the private sphere, such as within families, education level, poverty, addiction, and geographical location are not the main causes of sexual and gender-based violence in Iran. In some parts of Iran, sexual violence is more prevalent due to these factors, but the main cause of this type of violence is patriarchy, which gives men power. It is possible that in smaller cities, sexual violence may be less prevalent in the public sphere due to social control and familiarity among individuals, but because of the secrecy surrounding this issue, it is difficult to accurately assess the level of violence in these cities. As for larger cities such as Mashhad, Shiraz, or Tabriz, sexual violence in the public sphere is similar to that in Tehran.

What difference has the Iranian society’s support for women and minorities made compared to the past? Despite the structural violence that you mentioned, can we hope that societal norms are changing towards equality?

The issue of minorities in modern Iranian society is a new one and the society has limited knowledge about them. A very small group sympathizes with minorities; even our intellectuals have little awareness about them and the issues and problems of minorities are still unknown to the general public. Therefore, the majority of Iranian society is still not familiar with minorities.

It seems that the mindset of young people regarding gender equality has changed. In the past, there were activities and courses in universities that focused on these issues, but they no longer exist. In universities, young people were taught about social behavior. Today, the conditions in universities are getting worse day by day and there is no education in this area. A glance at the lives of young couples shows changes; for example, some say that some young men participate in household chores, but unfortunately, all of these behaviors occur in good living conditions. We must not forget that just a few years ago, husbands of some athletes did not allow their wives to leave and participate in sports competitions, and this problem still exists; meaning that as long as the living conditions are normal and good, it seems that men have changed, but when a crisis arises, they use the facilities they have. Few men in crisis use their violence and those who can use other means such as the law.

Every Iranian man has the legal right to object and declare that his wife’s job is not compatible with their married life; therefore, laws and structures have a strong impact on improving or worsening the situation. As much as women have taken a step forward in their rights, the parliament has taken a few steps back by passing new laws. Iranian women constantly have to strive against these setbacks.

To what extent has the government been able to hinder the progress of women with the approval of these laws? Does this pressure not increase women’s resistance?

These laws do not comply with the conditions of modern life, and being subject to these laws means accepting things that put women under legal and social pressure. Individual coping methods are chosen. These individual coping methods, as each member of society is involved in them, even without any connection to each other, create a social phenomenon that is a problem for governance and tries to prevent it by passing a series of new laws; for example, one of the ways to cope is to reduce childbearing or decide not to have children, which new punitive laws have been imposed on, or many young people do not get married or have white marriages, which again the government does not investigate the reason for, but only wants to punish them.

Some of our youth have reached this level of intellectual maturity that they cannot tolerate all this hardship, and since the law and cultural environment do not allow them to behave contrary to it, they choose a different way of life for themselves. This method is in conflict with the law, but they cannot do anything to confront it. These behaviors are individual reactions that have turned into ways of life, which the West attributes to its dominance, while the reason for it is the pressure of these very laws.

Thank you for the opportunity you have given us.