Iran’s Michelle Obama?

Political power couples have long been a fixture limited to Western politics… until now. As the presidential elections of June 12 approach in Iran, the world is slowly turning its attention to the increasingly popular Zahra Rahnavard, wife of the main pro-reform candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi. Thousands could hardly contain themselves at an energetic campaign rally in Tehran this week but the deafening cheers were not for presidential hopeful Mousavi, who was elsewhere campaigning — they were for his wife. Approaching the podium before an estimated 12,000 people, Rahnavard articulately communicated her demands for women’s rights and economic reform with zeal as she backed her husband’s bid for president. Seldom has the region seen a candidate break the mold in Iranian politics and so comfortably put his wife at the forefront of his campaign — a first since the revolution of 1979. But Rahnavard’s popularity is not in vain; she has a prolific academic background, holding a PhD from Tehran’s Al-Zahra university where she was chancellor for eight years, and served as an adviser to the reform-minded former president Mohammad Khatami. As the nation seeks a solution to the floundering economy and rising unemployment, Iranians are enthused about Mousavi’s run and many admit it’s because of his wife who has taken a lead role in winning over reformists and women voters alike.

With the crowd of young voters clamoring for change at the rally, only falling short of screaming out “Yes We Can,” Rahnavard is inspiring a new generation that one day will take a leading role toward economic empowerment and reform. Whether she will attain the position to exert the influence of her strong public profile like her peers around the world remains to be seen.

Published Date: June 03, 2009