Iranian women cyclists: if they knew of TE forums

[shootingstar]

In the article link that Trek (thx Trek) gave above, towards the end of the article:

Faezeh Hashemi initiated Asian games for Muslim women in 1993. Later on the establishment attacked her for being outspoken, wearing blue jeans and bicycling. In a landslide victory she was elected in the 5th Majlis with the highest number of votes in Tehran. Muslim feminism had emerged in Iran

I had a hairstylist for about 10 yrs., from Iran who went back to visit a few times over the past few decades. She said once she had to wear the veil and it was horrible since it was hot.

I believe the women (and 2nd one is at my present workplace.) I am in contact are from well-educated, wealthier families where they tell me that "it's not so bad". And it may not be unless one is contact with fundamentalists.

I guess. There are myriad of reasons why people immgirate to North America...but I am willing to believe still, the ability to "re-invent" oneself when leaving the shadow of a stricter, more paternalistic culture, could be a reason out of several reasons for some people.

We had a guy from Iran (a professor) inquire about the velo-city conference through our blog. My first reaction was even if one designed communities to be safer, more sustainable and people oriented, would they still allow women to cycle? I doubt it. Look at the Dubai or Saudi Arabia where there are some fantastic communities being designed..in the desert. Yet, there is overall, still segregation of the sexes. I've applied for jobs in the Middle East....their universities and colleges are gender segregated...meaning women's college, etc.

Until now, I never realized that there NEEDS to be gender equality in terms of freedom of movement that must happen with any progress of designing communities for walking, cycling and taking transit.