Sherkat, Shahla (c. 1956–)

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Sherkat, Shahla (c. 1956–)

Iranian journalist, publisher and women's rights advocate. Born c. 1956 in Iran; married; children: 2 daughters.

A major voice for reform, was dismissed from her position as editorial director at Zan-e Rouz, a government-owned weekly, because she wanted to change the way it depicted women; founded (1991) and serves as editor of the popular monthly magazine, Zanan (Women), in Tehran; was fined and sentenced to prison for 4 months for "anti-Islamic" activities (2001), though she did not have to serve time; outspoken in her demands for basic rights for women, was given the Courage in Journalism Award from the International Women's Media Foundation (2005).

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