Iranian Woman Skydiver Breaks Stereotypes

A 35-year-old Iranian woman skydiver is breaking stereotypes. Bahareh Sassani is an accountant, but is committed to the sport. She says it is her way to prove that women are just as capable as men.

Though she has been skydiving for only two years, she has more than 220 jumps under her belt.

"I encourage all women to try this experience. It gives you the feeling you can do whatever you want. Women should not be excluded from anything," - Bahareh Sassani

Sassani said she knows of only five other women who are qualified to skydive, and that it is a male-dominated sport.

Though she rejects the idea that she is a feminist, the skydiver embraces the label of a patriot. Recently, an image of her jumping with an Iranian flag was published in the Iranian media.

How she started

Sassani said she took up skydiving as a way to combat her fear of heights. There are no parachuting clubs in Iran, so she must do it with the army. When they organise jumps, the army invites everyone. 

There were a handful of women parachutists in pre-revolutionary Iran. However, women are not permitted to join the army today.

She has jumped in Russia, Kenya, Thailand and the UAE.

"Even abroad, when I skydive, people are surprised. They think there are a lot of restrictions in Iran, but I explain to them that there are women doing motocross, flying planes and, yes, parachuting," she said.

Men’s reactions

Sassani said that men avoid women like her, "thinking that we aren’t made for marriage because we are uncontrollable". However, a small number do show interest in what she is doing, she added.

Also Read: Skydiving changes you, puts you face to face with yourself says Ratneshwar Banerjee