Women's rights in Iran have long been a cause for international concern. However, despite restrictions laid down by Sharia law, there have been some changes. For nearly five years now, Iranian women have been allowed to become fully-fledged police officer

A female police officer may still be an unfamiliar sight to any eye, but this is part of modern Iran. Since 2003 the Islamic republic has allowed women to become police officers. They pass theory and practical exams and are taught to handle weapons.

“I joined a course specially designed for women that qualifies you to join the police. It all happened by chance. I also found that nothing stops women from working in this field. The most important thing is self-confidence,” says a female military college student.

The Iranian government attributes the phenomenon to necessity: more and more crimes are being committed by women and Islamic law would not, for example, allow women to be searched by male officers

But can Muslim women enforce criminal law, while still following the laws of their religion?

“The issue of the veil is very important in this work. How are women supposed to deal with this; how can they chase burglars? Iran is an Islamic state; what about the family and the kids? Such work requires a person to be totally free,” an Iranian woman said.

Although Iranian policewomen are responsible for upholding the Sharia law that restrains them, they are also taking baby steps for change.

“Many boundaries have been removed between men and women nowadays. They are working together. I don’t judge the matter. Every job has its advantages and disadvantages. Yet, in the end, a woman has her duties towards her home and family,” says one Iranian citizen.

This is a new generation of Iranian women caught between domestic and public responsibilities. They may be a sign of new female strength, but they are also a carefully choreographed snapshot of an exemplary Islamic state.

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