This article examines the activism of Bahá'í women in Iran, focusing on their unique contributions to social and political movements despite their marginalization as a religious minority. Using life narratives, it traces the evolution of their activism across generations, comparing it with other Iranian women’s movements. The study introduces a new conceptual framework, the Paradox of Suppressed Alternatives (PSA), to explain how authoritarian regimes repress marginalized groups while recognizing their transformative potential. Drawing on the author’s personal experiences, it challenges secular feminist views that overlook the role of faith in empowering women. Highlighting the intersection of religion, culture and activism, the chapter underscores Bahá'í women's significant contributions to justice and freedom movements in Iran, from the Tobacco Movement to the 2022 protests.

Authors:
Raha Sabet Sarvestany, Turku University, Finland

About the Presenter(s)
Raha Sabet Sarvestany, postdoctoral researcher and lecturer at Åbo Akademi, my interdisciplinary work explores gender, religion, culture, and minority studies. My current project examines minority women's representation in international media.

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/raha-sabet-sarvestany-56b7a159/

Connect on ResearchGate
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Raha-Sabet-Sarvestany-3

Additional website of interest
https://www.abo.fi/kontakt/raha-sabet-sarvestany/

See this presentation on the full schedule – Sunday Schedule

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