Farideh Pouratian, social worker and activist
Farideh Puratian was born in 1940 (1319 Solar Hijri) in Tehran into a warm, compassionate Jewish family with a culture-loving background. His father, Elias Pouratian, was a native of Tehran and engaged in business in Tehran’s market. His mother, Baktour Nikkhah, was a cultured woman and a graduate of Alliance School, proficient in French and familiar with English.
Farideh Pouratian completed her primary education at Nowruz Elementary School and her secondary education in literature at Shahdokht High School. Her inclination to altruism led her to pursue her studies in social work at the Higher Institute of Social Services, managed by Mrs. Farmanfarmayan. She underwent various internships from the very first year of her studies, including medical centers, a boys’ orphanage for children aged seven and above who did not have proper guardianship, and a hospital for addicts. Despite being a very young girl, Farideh interacted with criminals, addicts, smugglers, and drug traffickers in these centers and established strong and effective relationships with them to improve their conditions.
Farideh Pouratian graduated in 1964 (1364 SH) and married Parviz (Haroun) Yeshayaei, who himself was interested in social matters and engaged in activities in various Jewish institutions. They have a daughter and a son, Marjan and Kiarash, both of whom have obtained higher education and are actively involved in cultural and social activities for many years.
Farideh had to resign from her job in the hospital for addicts to attend to her children after her second child — Kiarash — was born. Nevertheless, she returned to social work once her children started attending school. She began as a social worker at the State Welfare Organization of Iran, which was then called Farah Pahlavi Charity. Her main responsibilities were mostly related to the care of orphans and children without proper guardianship. She worked in various units of this organization, including the central office of the nursery, summer camp, and a special girls’ boarding house (for occupation and marriage). However, she disagreed with the general policies of this institution and considered it a decorative court institution. Therefore, with the support of her husband, she refused to receive any salary and remained an honorary worker at this center. Pouratian formed deep emotional bonds with these children, which persisted even after some of them migrated abroad.
According to Dr. Siamak More Sedgh, the director of Dr. Sapir Hospital, more than 90% of the patients of the hospital were Muslims in 2018 (1397 SH), and over five thousand families were covered by the hospital’s social work. Farideh continued her collaboration with the social work department even after resigning from her responsibilities at Dr. Sapir Hospital.
In 1992 (1371 SH), Mrs. Pouratian founded an active organization for women. The “Jewish Women’s Organization”, which had fallen inactive following the revolution due to the departure or disengagement of certain members and board directors, was revitalized under her leadership. Collaborating with a dedicated group of passionate and committed women, she played a pivotal role in reestablishing the organization under the leadership of Farangis Hassidim. After obtaining the necessary license from the Ministry of Interior, the organization resumed its activities officially, adopting the name “Jewish Women and Girls Organization.”
After the passing of Mrs. Hassidim in 2011 (1390 SH), Farideh Pouratian continued her activities as the chairman of the board of directors of the Jewish Women and Girls Organization. In line with the objectives stated in the organization’s charter, she made efforts to enhance the capabilities and skills of Jewish women by organizing educational classes, various lectures, recreational programs, and supervising Yalda Kindergartens 1 and 2 and the Kourosh Charity. She also collaborated with the “Elderly Home” and engaged in various other activities, including assisting fellow Iranian citizens affected by floods, earthquakes, and more. Additionally, she established connections with national organizations, including the Vice Presidency for Women and Family Affairs.
Farideh Pouratian primarily focused her activities on women who were addicted or living on the streets. She delved into their issues and problems, investigated the factors that led to their inclination towards addiction, and sought ways to prevent relapses. Alongside her social work, she conducted research and gathered statistical data on the causes and influential factors of addiction, particularly with regard to opium and heroin, which were prevalent during that period. Her contributions have established her as one of the pioneers in the field of social work.
However, after the 1979 revolution in Iran, the changing management of the State Welfare Organization made it challenging for her to continue her collaboration, ultimately leading to her resignation.
Mrs. Pouratian had an additional objective: to engage women from the community and foster their active participation in activities aimed at mitigating the challenges Jewish families face. She recognized the significance of empowering women to shape a brighter future for the Jewish society. With this in mind, she sought to harness the expertise of specialized counselors to enhance the upbringing of Jewish children in Yalda Kindergartens. Moreover, she demonstrated an unwavering dedication to the cause of women’s rights, as outlined in clause “c” of the organization’s charter, aiming to align them with religious principles. Regrettably, religious leaders never granted the Women and Girls Organization the permission to engage in matters pertaining to these rights.
She is also a member of the Central Council of the Communication Network of Women NGOs in I.R. Iran. Through her involvement, she has expanded the activities of the Jewish Women and Girls Organization to a broader network of women’s initiatives at the national and international levels. Participating in relevant seminars and research trips related to women’s issues, she has made significant contributions to the quality of the Jewish Women and Girls Organization’s endeavors.
Another aspect of Mrs. Farideh Pouratian’s life that deserves attention and is a section that tends to be overlooked is her role as a wife and mother. Being married to a capable, influential, and busy man like Haroun Yeshayai, she has been instrumental in raising successful and accomplished children, an impressive achievement that is often overlooked. According to her daughter, Marjan, “She is the bedrock of our family. She has always been there for us unassumingly during the storms of events before and after the revolution, during my father’s incarcerations and absence, and our constant concerns for his safety. She was also the source of me and my brother’s tranquility, and also our grandmother’s peace, who lived with us for years.”
Despite being retired, Mrs. Farideh Yeshayai (Pouratian) continues to serve as the chair of the Board of Directors of the Jewish Women and Girls Organization and as a member of the Central Council of the Communication Network of Women NGOs. She remains dedicated to her social activities, striving diligently to contribute.
Dr. Navvabi-Nejad, the head of the Communication Network of Women NGOs, and the members of the board of directors of the Jewish Women and Girls Organization, including Farideh Pouratian, at the Isaac Hakim (Pesyan) Synagogue on the occasion of the Sukkot festival, Tehran, 2019.
Farideh Pouratian (Yeshayai), Chair of the Board of Directors of the Jewish Women and Girls Organization, Tehran, 2019 AD.
Dr. Navvabi-Nejad, the head of the Communication Network of Women NGOs, and the members of the board of directors of the Jewish Women and Girls Organization, including Farideh Pouratian, at the Isaac Hakim (Pesyan) Synagogue on the occasion of the Sukkot festival, Tehran, 2019.