Forough Azarakhshi

Who was Forough Azarakhshi?

Forough Āzarakhsh'i established the first elementary and secondary schools for girls in the religious city of Mashhad, Iran, of which the former became known as "Forough's School".

Like other pioneers of education for women almost everywhere in the world, Forough Āzarakhsh'i had to deal with the hostility of the traditionalists of the society of her time. Upon establishing "Forough's School", some religious extremists threatened to set fire to this school, which was held at her private home. To counter this threat, she along with her children and members of her extended family protected the school by the force of arms, a measure that was kept in place for two years. The problem was ultimately resolved as a result of Forough's discussions with the religious leaders of Mashhad who at first had considered presence of girls in a school environment as being against religious teachings; having convinced the citizens that studying would not be deleterious to women, the School for Women in Mashhad was formally inaugurated.

Among Forough Āzarakhsh'i's other services to community can be mentioned her presidency of the Children Orphanage of Khorasan, of the Association for the Protection of Mothers and Children, and of the Charity Commission. She was also the honorary president of the Red Lion and Sun Society of Iran in Mashhad.