The first female cabinet minister in Iranian history, Farrokhroo Parsa, assumed the role of Minister of Education in 1968. Her career spanned medicine, legislative politics, and advocacy for gender equality within the national school system. Appointed under Prime Minister Amir Abbas Hoveyda, she served as a pivotal figure in the advancement of women's rights in Iran before her 1980 execution.
Early Background and Education
Born in Qom on 24 March 1922, Farrokhroo Parsa was the daughter of FakhrAfagh Parsa and Farrokh-Din. Her mother worked as an editor for the publication Jahān-e Zan and advocated for female education, which led the family to face political opposition and temporary relocation. Following a return to Tehran, Parsa pursued a medical degree at the University of Tehran. She later worked as a biology teacher at the Jeanne d'Arc High School, where Farah Diba attended as one of her students.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Legislative and Ministerial Roles
In 1963, Parsa secured a seat in the Majles, the National Consultative Assembly of Iran. During her five-year tenure as a member of parliament, she campaigned for the extension of suffrage to women and worked on legal amendments concerning family rights. In 1965, she became Deputy Minister of Education. On 27 August 1968, she reached a historic milestone by becoming the first woman to occupy a cabinet-level position in Iran, a role she maintained until 1971.
Revolutionary Trial and Execution
Following the change in government, the Islamic Revolutionary Court detained Parsa on charges including the mismanagement of the Ministry of Education and collaboration with SAVAK. During her tenure as minister, she had implemented policies such as removing mandatory veiling for schoolgirls and introducing non-sexist textbooks. Despite her arguments in court regarding her professional record, she was executed by firing squad in Evin Prison, Tehran, on 8 May 1980. She was subsequently buried at Behesht-e Zahra.
Professional Associations
Despite later political conflict, Parsa maintained professional relationships with several figures who became significant during the Islamic Revolution. During her time as education minister, she provided funding to Mohammad Beheshti, Mohammad Javad Bahonar, and Mofatteh. These funds supported the creation of Islamic public schools and the establishment of the Islamic Center of Hamburg. Her successor, Manouchehr Ganji, noted her competence as a physician and her established working relations with these individuals.
Fast facts
- Born: 24 March 1922, Qom
- Died: 8 May 1980, Tehran
- Education: University of Tehran
- Minister of Education tenure: 1968-1971
- Spouse of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi student: Farah Diba
- Burial site: Behesht-e Zahra
- Primary occupations: Physician, politician, educator
Questions readers ask
Was Farrokhroo Parsa the first female cabinet minister in Iran?
Yes, she became the first female cabinet minister in Iranian history when she was appointed Minister of Education in 1968.
What were the primary charges against Farrokhroo Parsa?
She was tried for allegedly plundering the national treasury, causing corruption, collaborating with SAVAK, and dismissing combatant educators.
