Proper Women: Feminism and the Politics of Respectability in Iran

Proper Women is a book that examines an NGO-led "womens empowerment" program in Tehran that aimed to serve young, impoverished Iranians and Afghan refugees. It highlights the complexities of empowering marginalized women due to the diverse backgrounds of NGO staff and clients. The book encourages feminist activists to consider local politics and transnational connections in their definitions of empowerment and the benefits of a justice-enhancing practice.

Format: Hardback
Length: 212 pages
Publication date: 10 May 2024
Publisher: Temple University Press,U.S.

Proper Women is an eye-opening documentary that delves into the remarkable story of an NGO-led "womens empowerment" program in Tehran, aimed at serving young, impoverished Iranians and Afghan refugees. Fae Chubin, the filmmaker, takes us on a journey to explore the well-intentioned efforts of cosmopolitan NGO administrators who were driven by liberal feminist principles of individualism, sexual autonomy, and anti-traditionalism. However, their commitment to these principles complicated their ultimate objective of empowering marginalized women.

Chubin sheds light on the diverse backgrounds of NGO staff and clients, including their class, ethnic, religious, and national identities, which played a significant role in shaping their varying perceptions of oppression and justice. Through her meticulous examination of the internal tensions within the organization, she uncovers the reasons why the NGO workers' efforts failed to resonate with the intended beneficiaries.

The documentary concludes by urging feminist activists to critically examine the role of local politics and transnational connections in shaping their definitions of empowerment. It also encourages them to consider the potential benefits of a justice-enhancing practice over a narrow focus on justice monism, particularly when working with their target populations.

Proper Women is a thought-provoking and compelling film that sheds light on the complexities of empowering women in a society that often upholds traditional gender roles and norms. It serves as a reminder of the importance of intersectionality and the need for feminist activists to approach their work with a nuanced understanding of the social, political, and cultural contexts in which they operate.

Weight: 454g
Dimension: 210 x 140 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781439923276