Iranians mock Rouhani over explanation for no female ministers
Iranians take to social media to mock President Hassan Rouhani over his explanation for failing to abide by his campaign promise to appoint female ministers to his Cabinet.
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani’s reasoning for not appointing any female ministers to his Cabinet — as he had promised he would in the May presidential election — has prompted a backlash from his supporters.
On Aug. 15, the moderate Rouhani defended his proposed list of ministers to members of parliament and tried to persuade them to vote in favor of his Cabinet. “I will tell all the ministers in the 12th [incumbent] government to appoint young people and women for high-level positions,” Rouhani said, adding, “I was really eager to at least have three female ministers … but it didn’t happen.” He did not explain why it did not happen.
Iranians quickly took to Twitter and other social media outlets to mock the president, launching a Persian hashtag that translates to #ButItDidntHappen to express their disappointment with Rouhani, while reminding him of the promises he made during his electoral campaign.
Manzie, a user who describes herself as a feminist, tweeted, “We weren’t supposed to be disappointed with Rouhani so soon, #ButItDidntHappen.”
