Women and Law in Iran: How Khamenei Made Their Lives Hell
The death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has sparked mixed reactions worldwide, with some mourning him while many Iranian women hope his passing may bring greater freedom.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran, was recently killed during the Iran–Israel conflict. His death has created mixed reactions around the world. While some people mourned him as an important religious leader, others celebrated, especially those who strongly opposed the strict laws introduced during his leadership.
Before the Iranian Revolution in 1979, Iran was ruled by Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. During his rule, women in Iran had more freedom. They could study in universities, work in many professions, vote in elections and choose how they wanted to dress. After the revolution, Iran became an Islamic Republic and many laws changed as religious rules became part of the country’s legal system.
Khamenei became Iran’s Supreme Leader in 1989 and remained in power for decades. In Iran, the Supreme Leader has very strong authority and influences laws, courts, police, media and public life. Because of his beliefs about society and religion, many strict rules were enforced, especially those affecting women.
Under these laws, women had to follow mandatory hijab rules, meaning they had to cover their hair and wear loose clothes in public. Special morality police monitored public spaces and could stop women, question them or even arrest them for what authorities considered “improper dress.” Women could also face fines or jail for breaking these rules.
Other laws also limited women’s rights. In many cases, married women needed their husband’s permission to travel abroad. Divorce laws often favoured men, and child custody usually went to the father after divorce. Women also received smaller inheritance shares compared to men. In addition, girls could legally marry at young ages with court approval.
These strict policies led to protests in Iran over the years. One of the most widely known incidents was the death of Mahsa Amini, which sparked nationwide protests led by women demanding more freedom. Many protesters removed their hijabs in public and called for changes in the law.
Khamenei often blamed these protests on foreign influence and continued supporting traditional gender roles and strict religious rules.
After news of his death spread, reactions were different in various places. In some regions, including parts of Kashmir, people held mourning gatherings for him. Asaduddin Owaisi also called the reported assassination immoral and hoped that India would condemn it.
However, inside Iran many women and young people reacted differently. Some felt relief and hoped that his death might bring change and more freedom in the future.
