Iranian protests: why the realitvely low % of women to men?

[skip fox]

Looking all the posted clips (see DU's "Home" and elsewhere), it seems male protesters outnumber female by fouy or five to one. (That's not always true but usually.)

Are women dressing as men and wearing surgical masks? Are they engaged in other activities?

I've been in protests (Chicago 1968) and there always seemed to be more men than women, but never in memory to this extent.

Any ideas?

[timeforpeace]

1. And in a country controlled by Islamic mullahs to boot. This is a mystery and no mistake.

[Better Today]

2. Very simple. Women, even here, have stronger ties to familial responsibilities

whether that be children or parents. I think most women weigh the long term outcome of their deaths (possibility), their injury (probability), or their imprisonment (strong probability) with the effects those potential outcomes would have on those around them and who depend on them. As you point out, this isn't an Iranian phenomenon, though perhaps more pronounced there.

Furthermore, I wonder if in early stages of rebellions, women are excluded because it would seem to be demanding too much at once. Something a kin to what we are seeing in Congress with the HCR bill. I doubt this is clearly defined or intended, but before men can worry about freedoms for their women, they have to have freedom for themselves. Even here, decades later, we women are not even close to equal, not with wages, nor general treatment, hell we've gone backwards with feminism from what I see and hear of gals my daughter's age. Their hopes and dreams have reverted back to the 1950's, it's so scary!

Oh, well, I'm tired, it looks like I jumped around a lot, I hope it makes some sense. I'm in no way suggesting it is as it should be, just some thoughts on why it is the way it seems.

[snagglepuss]

3. Have you read anything about the experiences women have had who are

arrested for their political views and/or involvement in demostrations? If they aren't there its becasue they are terrified of being caught. Men face dire consequences as well so kudos to all who protest.

[dipsydoodle]

4. Are there any women here today ?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIaORknS1Dk

[JonQ]

5. They aren't so tolerant of letting women off their leashes

to act independently outside the home. Not surprising that few women will be present.