Hashemi, Faezeh (1963–)

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Hashemi, Faezeh (1963–)

Iranian politician. Name variations: Faezeh Rafsanjani; Faezeh Hashemi Bahremani. Born Faezeh Rafsanjani, 1963, in Iran; dau. of Ali Akbara Hashemi Rafsanjani (former president of Iran); attended Al-Zahra University and Islamic Azad University; married to the son of a prominent ayatollah; children: 2, including daughter Mona.

Pioneer in the reformist movement and one of Iran's most popular politicians, once called for women to unveil, ride bikes in public, and run for president; was a member of Parliament from Tehran constituency; as vice president of Iran's National Olympic committee (1990), promoted the cause of Muslim women in sports; founded and served as president of the Federation of Islamic Countries' Women's Solidarity and Sports (1991); founded Iran's only women's daily Zan (Woman), which was banned in 1999.