The image and role of women in a society can be ascertained through the laws, religion, funerals customs, literature, and the arts of that society. During the ancient times, the elite royal women in ancient Persian society owned property and were involved in managing their assets. They participated in different economic activities of the estate and other economic units. In this regard, the paper will explore the role and image of women during the Ancient Persia.
During the period of Achaemid to the Sasanian, the women had employment opportunities that enable them to earn wages and as a result was able to become economically independent. Due to their undifferentiated mass, they lead a secluded life behind high walls without any function and purpose other than child rearing. According to Pavry (2015), they play a major role in securing the monarchy during the turmoil of their husband’s reign. Persian royal women had social and financial freedom in that they were in a position to manage their properties, be involved in political affairs, and join men in various function such as holding audience and banquets.
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Both the elite and non-elite women had titles with recognized authority in court. These women perform funeral customs and inscriptions thus commemorating the deaths of the beloved ones. They had freedom to own property and were involved in managing their assets. In addition, both the elite and non-elite women enjoy the economic independence. There were involved in matters concerning economic affairs, traveled, and control their wealth and position by being active enterprising and resolute (Llewellyn-Jones, L. 2013).
Some of the sources that discuss Iranian women had some problems due to lack of sufficient primary sources. The archaeological evidence about the women is insufficient thus making it difficult to determine their role in the society. The sources also do not provide a clearer picture as to the role and status of women in the era of Achaemenid especially the women of royalty. Furthermore, the sources do not provide current affairs with the rise of Islamofascism, which Iran suffers from social inequalities especially towards women. Lastly, the sources do not reflect on Iranian current social prejudices as opposed to their history as stated (Pavry, B. 2015).
In Iranian, various groups use certain depictions of ancient Iranian women in order to serve a particular agenda or propaganda. For instance, Iranian women are not supposed to walk on the street with uncovered hair. They view this as committing a crime. The religious leaders believe that if women do not cover their hair, men can get aroused. This depiction does not respect the freedom of choice for women since their men have never insulted them. Everywhere in the world, men can be good or bad. Personally, I think there are Iranian men who believe in freedom of choice and supports women’s right. The Muslim women activist has also lobbied a family protection law that offers women a more actual protection as stated by Pavry (2015). Since the ancient times, this law entitles the wife to half the wealth that is accumulated during the marriage. This law has also been approved by the Iranian government which entitles women to wages for housework and force husbands to pay the entire sum during the event of divorce.
In conclusion, the role and image of women in the society are determined by laws, religion, customs, literature and arts of the society. Women should have a social and financial freedom to manage their properties, be involved in political affairs, and join men in various function such as holding audience and banquets. Gender discrimination should be eliminated in the society. To add up, some ancient culture should also be removed to give women their freedom of choice. The life of Iranian women was secluded behind high walls without any function and purpose other than child rearing.
References
Llewellyn-Jones, L. (2013). King and court in ancient Persia 559 to 331 BCE . Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press.
Pavry, B. (2015). The Heroines of Ancient Persia. Cambridge University Press: United Kingdom.
