Jan 2, 2019

For the first time in the history of the Islamic Republic, a woman from Iran's Sunni minority has been offered an ambassadorship. Homeira Rigi, currently the governor of a southeastern town, is set to make history as the head of the Iranian mission in Brunei. The 43-year-old Reformist has been serving in different executive positions for the past 20 years.

First Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri announced the appointment during his visit to Ghasrghand, an impoverished town in the underdeveloped Sistan and Baluchistan province.

Rigi will be the third woman and the second from the country’s Sunni minority to be offered the senior diplomatic position. In past years, two female ambassadors have been assigned to the Iranian embassies in Malaysia and Finland. The first Sunni ambassador from the Kurdish minority was also appointed to head the Iranian mission in Vietnam in 2015.

Rigi’s appointment is seen as a step by the administration of moderate President Hassan Rouhani toward greater senior political representation among women and religious minorities.

About 90% of Iranians adhere to Shiism, while most of the rest follow Sunni Islam.