Investigating the Role of Non-Governmental Organizations in Promoting and Supporting Women's Citizenship Rights in Iran
Subject Areas : Regional Planning
Ali Hossein Mansori
1
,
ghaffar zarei
2
*
,
َAli Mohammad Haghighi
3
1 - PhD student of Political Science, Lamerd Branch, Islamic Azad University, Lamerd, Iran.
2 -
3 - Assistant Professor and Faculty Member of the Lamard Islamic Azad University Political Science Department
Keywords: mobilization, efficiency, soft power, smart power, globalization.,
Abstract :
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs), as one of the main pillars of society and manifestations of civil institutions, play a prominent role in supporting marginalized groups—particularly women—on the path to realizing their citizenship rights. Among the various dimensions of citizenship, the social aspect holds special importance, as it is deeply connected with the public sphere, social participation, and collective interactions. These organizations, by creating the necessary foundations for strengthening women's presence and participation in social arenas, can pave the way for effective citizenship for them.However, the path toward achieving this goal is influenced by various factors that can either facilitate or hinder the effectiveness of these organizations’ activities. The aim of this study is to analyze the role of NGOs in promoting women's citizenship rights and to evaluate their performance, capacities, and challenges in improving the social, legal, and economic status of women. This applied research adopts a descriptive-analytical approach, employing both quantitative and qualitative methods. After extracting relevant indicators from previous studies, data were collected through two questionnaires and the input of 30 experts. The data were analyzed using T-tests and scenario planning with the Scenario Wizard software to map out possible and probable futures.The findings indicate that under current conditions, NGOs play a limited role in supporting women's citizenship rights, particularly in areas such as employment and improving the economic situation of women, especially female-headed households. Their activities are predominantly concentrated in cultural, counseling, and supportive domains. The scenario analysis suggests a continuation of the current situation, with the potential for further weakening of their economic roles. In the best-case scenario, these organizations could contribute to enhancing women's citizenship rights only with legal, financial, and institutional support from the government, as well as the participation of the private sector and international organizations.
Extended Abstract
Introduction
In recent years, with the expansion of concepts such as globalization, inclusive development, and the strengthening of civil society, the significance of citizenship rights—particularly for women—has garnered increasing attention. Women, as half of the population, play a vital role in achieving sustainable development goals; however, they continue to face challenges in accessing equal rights and opportunities. In this context, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), as influential actors within civil society, have played an essential role in raising awareness and empowering women through legal education, counseling, social support, and advocacy. Despite some progress in Iran, cultural, legal, and institutional barriers still hinder the full realization of women’s citizenship rights. This study aims to examine the role of NGOs in promoting women's citizenship rights by analyzing the extent of their impact on improving women’s social, legal, and economic conditions. It emphasizes the need for broader support and more in-depth research in this critical area.
Methodology
This research is applied in nature and descriptive-analytical in terms of its methodology. In the first stage, key components and indicators were extracted through text mining and reviewing previous studies on non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and women's civil rights. Then, two separate questionnaires were designed (one to assess the current status and the other to predict future scenarios of each descriptor), and the opinions of 30 experts and specialists in this field were collected. In the analysis, the role and impact of NGOs in supporting women's civil rights were measured using a one-sample T-test and statistical methods. Subsequently, using future studies methods, especially scenario writing and the Scenario Wizard software, an attempt was made to predict the future status of NGOs in supporting women's civil rights.
Results and Discussion
In this research, various indicators were examined to assess the status of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in supporting women's civil rights, with the most important of these including education and awareness raising, impact on women's economic status, participation and empowerment of women, effectiveness and sustainability of programs, cultural and social indicators, international cooperation, legal and legal support, impact on women's employment, access and service coverage levels, and the ability to address challenges and obstacles. The results of the one-sample t-test showed that in some indicators, such as the impact on women's economic status and employment, the performance of NGOs is below average, while in indicators like education and awareness raising and women's participation, the performance is acceptable and above average.The analysis of future scenarios using the Scenario Wizard software revealed that in most scenarios, NGOs will continue to operate in the status quo. The most likely scenarios indicate that in the near future, descriptors such as the impact on women's economic status and employment will remain ineffective, while some indicators such as access to services and NGOs' ability to address challenges will not show significant improvement.
Conclusion
This research examines the role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in promoting and supporting women's civil rights in Iran. Initially, key indicators were extracted through text mining and the review of similar domestic and international studies, followed by the collection of expert opinions and insights from activists in the field of NGOs using questionnaires. The analysis of the current conditions revealed that NGOs have a weak performance in promoting women's civil rights, especially in the areas of economy and employment. Their focus is primarily on cultural, advisory, legal activities, and the distribution of livelihood packages.The analysis of the future prospects of these organizations using scenario writing methods showed that in the most likely scenario, the current conditions will persist, and the economic and employment situation for women will worsen compared to the current state. Only through collaboration with the public sector and securing legal and material support will these organizations be able to reach normal cultural and social conditions.
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