[This article was originally published in UEA’s official student newspaper, Concrete.]
The Women’s Rights Movement is ongoing globally, but one country it has historically struggled to make headway in is Iran.
Up to 1979, Iran was ruled by an absolute monarchy under Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. The Islamic Revolution of 1979 then transformed Iran into the Islamic Republic under Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, with a constitution emphasising the need for guardianship through the supervision of leading Islamic jurists. This meant the government would be supervised by the Supreme Leader and an appointed, unelected, Guardian Council. The political hierarchy changed, with the Supreme Leader at the top as head of state. The Supreme Leader has more power than the president and has control of the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government.
Despite Mohammad Reza Pahlavi’s government repressive policies, women in Iran still made political gains during his rule. They had access to higher education, as well as the right to vote and hold office. There were equal pay laws, health care and reproductive rights, and even a cabinet-level position dedicated to women’s issues. However, after 1980, Khomeini rose to power and compulsory veiling reentered the law. Harsh repression began for Iranian women and many were stopped and arrested for “improper dress”. Homes were raided, women were forced out of jobs, and universities became increasingly segregated. It became harder for women to show resistance as the Republic surveilled and brutally punished those who failed to conform.
For too long, Iranian women have been forcibly silenced. Now, they are demanding their voices be heard. Protests were reignited by the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini who died on the 16th September, allegedly due to police brutality. She was arrested by the morality police of Iran’s Law Enforcement Command for failing to wear the hijab in accordance with government standards. Despite police claiming she had a heart attack, eyewitnesses and women detained with Amini said she was severely beaten. Women in Iran were outraged by Amini’s case and saw themselves in her, beginning their protests at the hospital where Amini was treated, before spreading to her home province of Kurdistan.
In response, the government implemented a widespread Internet blackout, with nationwide restrictions on social media. As women and men have taken to the streets to protest, they have been met with brutal force and live ammunition. At least 133 people have been killed (as of 4th October), according to Iran Human Rights.
But fear tactics don’t seem to be enough to repress the voices of Iranian women. People chanted “Death to Khamenei” and “his guardianship is invalid”. Protesters spoke of the importance of social media in communicating with the world and spreading their message. Head scarves were tossed into bonfires and women danced bare-headed before security agents. Women stood cutting their long hair or exposing shaved heads. Such resistance has become a symbol of women’s right to choose, that they will no longer be controlled. Even those not directly participating in the protests have helped by making sandwiches or first-aid kits for the demonstrators. Some women have reportedly let protestors sleep in their homes to avoid security forces. These small acts speak of a sense of solidarity, one which the Iranian government can’t seem to quell.
The future of women’s rights in Iran remains uncertain, but it is clear Amini’s death has struck a chord in protesters. The sentiment is that change is now. Tomorrow is too late.
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