Woman, Life, Freedom movement

Women, Life, Freedom movement
Part of Mahsa Amini protests
Iranian protests against compulsory hijab
A sign with the slogan written in English
Date2022
Location
Iran
Caused byMahsa Amini protests
Goalsoverthrowing the Islamic republic in Iran
Opposition to compulsory hijab
MethodsRemoving Islamic hijab
burning scarf
Gisuboran
StatusOngoing[1][2][3]

The Women, Life, Freedom movement in Iran is a protest movement that started in September 2022 after the death of Mahsa (Jina) Amini, a young Iranian woman who was arrested by the morality police for not wearing hijab correctly. The movement demands the end of compulsory hijab laws and other forms of discrimination and oppression against women in Iran.

Women and men were taking to the streets all across Iran, outraged over the slew of social ills symbolized in Amini’s death—the subjugation of women, the repression of minorities, religious chauvinism, police brutality, and government corruption. People began their own local groups, prominently "Neighbourhood Youth Alliance of Iran" and the "Covenant" and called others to action. As they came together, the slogan began to echo from one city to another, in Kurdish, Persian, Azeri, and Balochi: “Woman, Life, Freedom.”[4]

The movement has been met with brutal repression by the Iranian authorities, who have killed hundreds of protesters and arrested thousands more.[5][6][7][8][9][10] The movement has also gained international support and recognition, and has been awarded the 2023 Freedom Award by Freedom House.[11]

The slogan “women, life, freedom” is inspired by the Kurdish women’s movement, which has been fighting for women's rights and autonomy in the region for decades. The slogan expresses the idea that women’s rights are essential for life and liberty, and that women should have the freedom to choose their own way of dressing, living, and participating in society. The slogan is also known as "Jin, Jiyan, Azadî" in Kurdish and "Zan, Zendegī, Āzādī" in Persian.[12]

  1. ^ Bazafkan, Homa. "'Women, Life, Freedom' a new revolutionary era in Iran". Vienna Institute for International Dialogue and Cooperation. Retrieved 28 October 2023.
  2. ^ "'Women, Life, Freedom' Movement Wins 2023 Freedom House Award". Iran International. 28 October 2023. Retrieved 28 October 2023.
  3. ^ "Unveiling Resistance: The Struggle for Women's Rights in Iran". Human Rights Watch. 26 June 2023. Retrieved 28 October 2023.
  4. ^ https://www.britannica.com/topic/Woman-Life-Freedom
  5. ^ "Iran: International community must stand with women and girls suffering intensifying oppression". Amnesty International. 26 July 2023. Retrieved 4 November 2023.
  6. ^ "Women's Rights in Iran | Human Rights Watch". 28 October 2015. Retrieved 4 November 2023.
  7. ^ "Iranian Women's Demands for Freedom Must Be Heard | Human Rights Watch". 16 November 2022. Retrieved 4 November 2023.
  8. ^ "UN Women statement on women's rights in Iran". UN Women – Headquarters. 27 September 2022. Retrieved 4 November 2023.
  9. ^ "Iranian Women Are Protesting, And They're All Using This Rallying Cry". Women's Health. 16 November 2022. Retrieved 4 November 2023.
  10. ^ "Unveiling Resistance: The Struggle for Women's Rights in Iran | Human Rights Watch". 26 June 2023. Retrieved 4 November 2023.
  11. ^ "'Women, Life, Freedom' Movement Wins 2023 Freedom House Award". Iran International. 28 October 2023. Retrieved 28 October 2023.
  12. ^ "Woman, Life, Freedom". Encyclopædia Britannica. 20 October 2023. Retrieved 28 October 2023.