Sydney: Fatima Payman’s remarks on Iranian women’s rights have drawn criticism after she stated that Iranian women “have a voice” and accused the West of spreading “propaganda” about their rights. She made these remarks at an event aimed at challenging Western narratives about Iranian women.
In a broadcast on Iranian state-owned Press TV, Payman suggested that Westerners are unaware of the “incredible place that Iran is” and the opportunities available to women. She claimed that Iranian women actively participate in the workforce and the democratic process, dismissing Western reports as one-sided propaganda.
Her February 22 remarks at Western Sydney University angered Iranian groups and human rights advocates.
Backlash from Human Rights Advocates
The Australian United Solidarity for Iran (AUSIRAN), a group supporting the Woman, Life, Freedom movement, condemned Payman’s comments. The group released a letter titled “No Cover for Islamic Republic’s Regime Gender Apartheid,” criticizing her and NSW Minister for Women Jodie Elizabeth Harrison, who also participated in the event.
AUSIRAN accused Payman of supporting the Iranian regime’s misinformation about women’s rights. The group cited Mahsa Jina Amini, a Kurdish-Iranian woman who died in police custody in 2022 for allegedly violating hijab laws. Her death led to nationwide protests, which were met with a violent crackdown.
Human Rights Watch reported that these protests resulted in hundreds of deaths and thousands of arbitrary arrests. Critics argue that Payman’s statements ignore the harsh reality of women’s oppression in Iran.
Criticism from Experts
Kylie Moore-Gilbert, an Australian expert on Middle Eastern politics who was imprisoned in Iran for two years, strongly rebuked Payman’s claims.
“Iran has no ‘democratic process,’ least of all one which women are allowed to participate in,” Moore-Gilbert wrote on X (formerly Twitter). She also questioned why Payman agreed to speak with Press TV, known for broadcasting forced confessions and propaganda.
Fatima Payman Responds
Following the backlash, Payman defended her attendance at the event, calling it an “Iranian women’s empowerment event” for International Women’s Day. She claimed she attended to hear firsthand accounts from Iranian women about their experiences.
“As a leader, it’s important for me to keep an open mind and listen to both sides,” Payman stated. She said the organizers aimed to challenge the one-sided view of Iran’s treatment of women.
However, human rights organizations continue to highlight Iran’s discriminatory policies. A 2023 Human Rights Watch report found that Iranian women face legal and social restrictions in marriage, divorce, employment, and education. Iran’s civil code gives husbands control over their wives’ choices, including their place of residence and occupations.
Conclusion
Fatima Payman’s remarks have ignited a debate on Iranian women’s rights and the credibility of Western narratives. While she insists on hearing multiple perspectives, human rights groups argue that her comments downplay state-enforced oppression in Iran.
As scrutiny on Iran grows, Payman’s remarks raise questions about politicians engaging with authoritarian regimes. Whether her remarks were a misguided attempt at balance or a serious endorsement of the Iranian government’s stance, the controversy is unlikely to fade soon.
