TEHRAN, Iran — Two years have elapsed since the death of 22-year-old Jina Mahsa Amini, a Kurdish Iranian woman who died in the custody of Iran’s morality police. This event ignited one of the largest demonstrations since the establishment of the Islamic Republic in 1979. Known as the Woman Life Freedom movement, these protests not only challenged the Iranian regime’s policies regarding women’s dress codes and broader human rights but left an indelible imprint on the societal landscape of Iran.
The protests initially centered on women’s rights but quickly transformed into a broader demand for essential freedoms, representing a significant cultural shift as Iranians from various backgrounds participated. This widespread mobilization underscored a growing awareness of and insistence on bodily autonomy and integrity among the Iranian populace.
One of the prominent features of the movement was its challenge to the mandatory hijab. In many Iranian cities, an increasing number of women have been risking penalties by choosing not to wear the hijab in public spaces such as sidewalks, malls, and even while driving. Despite the legal risks, which include fines and imprisonment, these women are asserting a newfound sense of freedom and self-determination. This act of defiance is gradually altering the urban landscape of Iran and is also penetrating more rural and traditionally conservative areas, where discussions about rights and autonomy are becoming more frequent.
Despite these societal shifts, the structural and legal framework in Iran continues to enforce policies that suppress women’s freedoms. The mandatory hijab remains a legally enforced requirement, backed by a system that does not shy away from punitive measures. Recent legislative proposals, like the ‘hijab and chastity’ bill, though not fully enacted as law, have already intensified pressures on women. Activities as commonplace as visiting a store or hailing a taxi can become grounds for penal action if the hijab rule is not observed.
This has led to a worrying backlash, where increasing visibility and assertiveness of women’s rights provoke even harsher countermeasures from the authorities. Despite the fear of repercussions, however, women continue to challenge these boundaries, representing a significant shift in social and political discourse concerning women’s attire and autonomy.
In the political arena, the influence of the Woman Life Freedom movement was felt during Iran’s latest presidential campaign. Although President Masoud Pezeshkian’s administration has predominantly focused on alleviating economic pressures and negotiating international sanctions, the embedded and systemic discrimination against women remains unaddressed at a legislative level. Advocates argue that while economic improvements could indirectly benefit women, these alone will not eradicate deeply entrenched gender inequalities.
During the recent elections, voter turnout was notably low in the first round, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction with the status quo. However, participation increased slightly in the run-off, with many casting their votes for Pezeshkian merely to avoid a victory for the hardliner Saeed Jalili, whom they feared would impose even stricter regulations affecting daily life and personal freedoms.
Ethnic and religious minorities, particularly Kurds and Baluchis, have faced harsh treatment following their active participation in the protests. These communities have not only endured a disproportionate share of fatalities linked to demonstrations but continue to experience intense state repression. This includes a notable uptick in executions and arrests, particularly targeting activists within these groups, in an apparent effort to quash further dissent.
The Iranian diaspora has a role to play in supporting change, although the effectiveness of their efforts can be limited by internal divisions and the complexities of influencing Iranian policies from abroad. The international community, for its part, faces the challenge of maintaining a consistent stance on human rights while engaging with Iran on various fronts.
As Iran grapples with these internal conflicts, the gap between societal attitudes and legal structures has never been more apparent. Activists, both within Iran and internationally, continue to fight for a system that aligns more closely with the evolving norms and values of its people, stressing that the road to genuine equality and freedom is long but a path worth pursuing.