Woman Life Freedom!

The Courage of Women is at the Heart of a Re-imagined Iran

In 1979, Iranians voted in a national referendum for a new theocratic-republican constitution. This referendum drove the Shah from power officially, leading to the Islamic republic’s establishment in 1979. However, the revolution ended both the westernization and modernization of Iran.

And there were consequences. Iran was alienated from the West, and women’s rights were drastically reduced. The monarchy was abolished, and religious leaders took longterm government control. Since 1979 there have been many protests challenging the strict religious tenants of the new regime. Many Iranians said, “This is not what we signed up for.” But the demonstrations were shut down every time, and thousands were executed.

Now, 44 years later, the women of Iran are daring to imagine a new future for themselves and the entire country. Since September 2022, women and men alike have taken to the streets to protest the Islamic Republic’s oppressive government. It started with the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman who was arrested by morality police in Tehran on September 13, 2022, for allegedly violating Iran’s strict rules requiring women to cover their hair with a hijab or headscarf.

Mahsa’s death ignited a fire in the heart of the nation. Since then, so much has happened. #MahsaAmini has become a code word for rebellious Iranians. Mahsa has become a symbol of liberty. “Woman life freedom” is the new rallying cry of dissent.