Zahra Eshraghi


Zahra Eshraghi is an Iranian activist and former government official who believes in feminism and human rights.

Early life and education

Eshraghi was born in 1964. She is the granddaughter of Ayatollah Khomeini. She is a philosophy graduate.

Views

Zahra Eshraghi wants the wearing of head-scarves to no longer be compulsory. She believes that: "Our constitution still says that the man is the boss and the woman is a loyal wife who sacrifices herself for her family. But society here has changed, especially in the last 10 years. If my grandfather were here now, I am sure he would have had very different ideas."
She also stated "The constitution my grandfather approved says that only a man can be president... We would like to change the wording from 'man' to 'anyone'. But discrimination here is not just in the constitution. As a woman, if I want to get a passport to leave the country, have surgery, even to breathe almost, I must have permission from my husband."

Personal life

In 1983, Esraghi married Mohammad-Reza Khatami, former head of the Islamic Iran Participation Front, the main reformist party in Iran and younger brother of former president Mohammad Khatami. They have two children, a daughter, Fatemeh, and a son, Ali.