Dr. Behshid Barkhordar, elected as the representative of the Zoroastrian community, will be the first woman to represent religious minorities in Iran’s Majlis. At this stage (before the second round of elections), only 11 women have managed to secure seats in the next Majlis, none of whom are from Tehran (compared to the 16 women MPs in the current Majlis).

Dr. Behshid Barkhordar is a prominent Iranian politician and the elected representative for the Zoroastrian community in the 12th Iranian Parliament (Majlis). She made history as the first woman to represent a religious minority in the Islamic Republic’s legislative assembly. Barkhordar focuses on community development, infrastructure, and environmental issues.
Key Roles and Accomplishments:
12th Parliament Representative: Sworn in to represent the Zoroastrian community, succeeding Esfandiar Ekhtiari.
Committee Positions: Appointed as the parliamentary supervisor for the National Biosafety Committee and a member of the Agriculture, Water, Natural Resources, and Environment Commission.
Infrastructure Development: Successfully secured 200 billion tomans in funding for development projects in Yazd in 2025, targeting water supply, electricity, and the restoration of historical sites.
Focus on Advocacy: Actively engages with local Zoroastrian associations, including those in Cham, Sharifabad, and Ardakan, to improve community infrastructure and support services.
Barkhordar is known for her work in promoting data-driven planning and training youth within the Zoroastrian Community