Muslim Women: Past and Present

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Throughout the ages, from the earliest days of Islam to contemporary times today, Muslim women have been and continue to be active leaders in their communities and countries across the world. This directory is a growing archive of leading Muslim women scholars, activists, writers, politicians, artists, religious and spiritual leaders, civil society leaders and more. Please contribute to this archive by suggesting Muslim women to be featured through our recommendation form.

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Ashraf Pahlavi

Known For: Princess of Iran
Country: Iran

About

Princess Ashraf, twin sister of Mohammad Reza, the last shah of Iran, was born October 26, 1919. She grew up in the royal household and was determined to serve her country from the outset. Together with her sister Princess Shams, she was among the first women to decline to veil.

Before the revolution, served as a delegate from Iran to the United Nations for sixteen years.  She was participated in the Human Rights Commission, the Commission on the Status of Women, the International Consultative Liaison Committee for Literacy. She also served as vice president of the Imperial Organization for Social Services and as president of the High Council of the Iranian Women’s Association.1 In recognition of her work, Princess Ashraf received an honorary degree from Brandeis University in 1969.2

Among other accomplishments, in 1975, the International Women’s Year, Ashraf presented a declaration on the inequality suffered by women throughout the world to UN Secretary General Kurt Waldheim.3

Princess Ashraf currently resides in Cannes, in the south of France.4 She is married and has three children, Chahram, Azadeh, and the late Shahriar, a navy captain who was assassinated in Paris in December 1979.5

 

[1] A short biography Her Imperial Highness Princess Ashraf Pahlavi.
[2] Brandeis University: Honorary Degree Recipients.
[3] Princess Ashraf Pahlavi at the International Women’s Year - 1975.
[4] Princess Ashraf Pahlavi Visits Hospital (1951).
[5] A short biography Her Imperial Highness Princess Ashraf Pahlavi.

Videos

Princess Ashraf Pahlavi of Iran

Princess Ashraf visits a hospital in 1951

More Information

Official site of H.I.H. Princess Ashraf Pahlavi of Iran

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This search feature will enable you to find Muslim women by their Country. We are actively building the archive of Muslim women leaders from the past, as well as from today, and we would welcome your recommendations of women to feature. Please complete our “Recommend Muslim Women” form and check the site again in the near future as we actively expand this section of the portal with your suggestions.
This search feature will enable you to find Muslim women leaders by entering the keyword(s) of your choice. If you cannot find a particular woman that you are looking for, please let us know by completing our “Recommend Muslim Women” form and check the site again in the near future as we actively expand this section of the portal with your suggestions.