Women in Iran have not given up their resistance against the mullah regime for 45 years. From the first days, the Islamic Republic tried to establish its power through women's identity and body. Since the Islamic Revolution on February 1, 1979, the Hijab law has regulated women's dress and position in public spaces. Women resisted it with their great march on March 8, 1979 and they are still resisting it.

 

Against bans, restrictions and oppression in the political, economic, legal and social spheres, women have been fighting against the regime, sometimes with individual protests against the headscarf ban, sometimes with mass demonstrations. So far, the largest protest and resistance against the reactionary domination of the current Sharia regime over the whole society has been the resistance united around the slogan “Jin, jiyan, azadi (Woman, life, freedom)”.

 

As the country prepares for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on November 25, the main theme of this year's protests and events will be “Jin, jiyan, azadi”. Women will take to the streets with the slogans “Iran without violence”, “No to the execution of women”, “Solidarity with Sharifa and Pexshan” and raise their reactions. As part of the program, rallies will be held in 4 cities, and actions and events will be organized in other cities. Rouhi Shafii, spokesperson for the International Coalition Against Violence (ICAVI) and journalist Pune Ashtiyani spoke to our agency about the preparations for November 25th and the struggle in the country. 

 

PRESSURES INCREASED 

 

Rouhi Shafii said that after the “jin, jiyan, azadi” protests in the country, the repression against women has increased even more, “So many women have been warned, fined, issued arrest warrants and finally detained that the movement has now turned into working groups and campaigns. This movement is being kept alive and promoted through social media,” she said.  

 

THE FRUIT OF 40 YEARS OF STRUGGLE

 

Rouhi Shafii reminded that Iranian women have been resisting uninterruptedly for 45 years and said: “The Jin, jiyan, azadî protests are the fruit of the relentless struggle against all orders that want to control women and their bodies. It shook the world because people all over the world witnessed a great power waiting to push the oppression and cruelty of the ruling regime into the dustbin of history. This legacy has manifested itself in many areas of life, albeit far from women's true aspirations. Nevertheless, many steps have been taken by women's organizations inside and outside to formulate women's demands and force the regime to back down.”

 

WOMEN ARE RESISTING

 

Reminding that many women were sentenced to death after months of “Jin, jiyan, azadi” protests that started after the murder of Jîna Emînî, Rouhi Shafii continued as follows: “There are various campaigns against the death penalty inside and outside Iran. Among the most vocal are women political prisoners such as Nobel Prize winner Nargis Mohamadi. She has relentlessly raised her voice against the death penalty and has at times gone on hunger strike. Other women in prisons are also on strike for a variety of reasons, from abolishing the death penalty to demanding the release of young and old women prisoners. There is currently a worldwide campaign to overturn the death sentence against 3 women political prisoners. There are a wide range of women prisoners on various charges, including conspiracy against the regime and other charges they extracted from old texts to stigmatize women. Two women reporters who took and published photographs of Jîna Amînî in hospital have been sentenced to years in prison. In recent years, campaigns have also taken shape outside Iran, and these campaigns are essential to change laws, raise public awareness, change attitudes and better understand violence against women. Iranian women are at the forefront of the struggle against state violence, discrimination, humiliation, oppression and torture. They are fighting for equality, freedom and human rights and we are confident that they will succeed.” 

 

THE PATTERN OF ACTIONS HAS CHANGED

 

“Iranian women have managed to develop creative and diverse methods of resistance in the face of government repression and threats,” said journalist Pune Ashtiyani and adde: "These include virtual campaigns, local solidarity and even informal alliances and spontaneous networks in different neighborhoods and cities. Especially after the 'jin, jiyan, azadi' protests, women realized that their struggle was not only on the streets, but also in public spaces and even at home. In the days leading up to November 25th, Iranian women are trying to reflect women's voices by publishing memoirs, personal experiences and introducing women who have lost their lives. There has also been an increase in small, unorganized protest gatherings in public spaces such as subway stations, buses and universities. These gatherings are a kind of decentralized struggle in which young women participate in symbolic protests, using slogans and posters to convey their message to the public. The increasing oppression of veil-less women, violence in public spaces and police encounters will soon take these struggles to a higher and broader level.” 

 

MAIN THEME JIN, JIYAN, AZADI

 

Pune Ashtiyani said that journalists and activists are working uninterruptedly to make the voices of women in the region heard by the world. On November 25, Pune Ashtiyani stated that the main axis of the protests will be “Jin, jiyan, azadi” and said: “This slogan has a special place among Iranian women. For women, this slogan expresses not only the right to freedom and life, but also the right to a dignified life and human dignity and to stand against oppression and oppression. Given the political and economic threats affecting society, slogans such as 'Jin, jiyan, azadi - no to poverty and oppression' or 'Jin, jiyan, azadi - no to executions' could be among the slogans Iranian women take to the streets this year.

 

The Jin, jiyan, azadi movement has deeply influenced the women's struggle. This powerful slogan, a symbol of resistance against oppression and persecution, has given Iranian women more hope and self-confidence. It was not just a street protest, but a profound social and cultural movement that redefined women's identity and strengthened their courage to seek their rights. 'Jin, jiyan, azadi' gave them the strength to resist all oppression and restrictions and not to give up the struggle for equality. This movement has inspired not only Iranian women but women all over the world to fight for the right to live free and equal lives and never give up.”

 

'THE STRUGGLE CAN CHANGE'

 

Referring to the death sentences given to Pexshan Ezîzî, Sharifi Mohammedi and Werîşe Mûradî, who were imprisoned by the regime, Pune Ashtiyani said: “The death sentences given to Kurdish women activists created a great wave of solidarity among Iranian women. These women are still in prison and despite the difficult conditions, they are sending messages of resistance and determination for Iranian women from prison. Although it is unlikely that these sentences will be carried out, there is a possibility that they will be commuted to more severe sentences in the appeals court. However, public outcry and widespread public support could change the outcome of the case and contribute to commuting the sentences. This is why some Iranian women are planning to take to the streets with slogans such as 'No to execution for women', 'Solidarity with Pexshan and Sharifi' and 'Iran without violence'. These slogans are not only a protest against the death penalty, but also the voice of women who oppose Iran's foreign policy, especially its hostility towards Israel and America. Iranian women believe that the priority should be domestic issues and the rights of citizens. If Iran abandons its violent foreign policy and its policy of interference in the internal affairs of other countries, the situation of women at home could improve and violence against them could decrease.”

 

RESISTANCE IN PRISONERS

 

Drawing attention to the resistance in prisons, Pune Ashtiyani said that the messages sent by the imprisoned women were a sign of perseverance and determination.  “These messages have been a source of motivation for many women. These messages remind Iranian men and women that the struggle for a better and fairer life continues, even in the most difficult conditions of prison. By resisting harsh prison conditions and demanding their basic rights, such as access to medical care and the right to a fair trial, imprisoned women have become symbols of resistance to oppression. Zaynab Jalaliyan and Weresheh Muradî, who bravely stood up against inequalities, have become pioneers in this struggle, and each of them continues to fight for their rights on behalf of hundreds of women in Iranian prisons. By standing up to the harsh conditions of prison, these women send a clear message to society, and especially to women outside prison, that it is possible to resist injustice and discrimination even in the darkest of circumstances. These resistances directly affect social discourse and social awareness. Many men and women who have seen these stands have concluded that they must defend their fundamental rights and oppose all forms of discrimination and injustice. This trend also highlights the central role of women in creating social and political change and reminds society that even in the most challenging situations, standing up and resistance can be the most powerful tool for achieving justice,” Pune Ashtiyani said.

 

RESISTANCE AGAINST PATRIARCHAL CULTURE

 

Pune Ashtiyani stated that women struggle against traditional roles by protecting their identities in all areas dominated by patriarchal culture, including the home, and continued as follows: “This shows the depth of women's struggle at all levels of personal and social life. The continuation of this stance and resistance will be a hope and motivation for future generations. Every woman is a part of this great struggle with every small step she takes. The struggle of Iranian women can be seen even in the legal and social structures of society. With these efforts, the virtual space has become one of the most important spaces. Many women have used social networks to raise awareness about their rights and have been able to change their minds over time. These efforts have led some men to join women's goals and demands and to create a movement against unequal marriage. These changes mark a profound cultural and social transformation that is gradually redefining women's position in society. Women recognize that having an independent identity and gaining economic independence is one of their main means of struggle. Although these movements are quiet and hidden from the observer's eyes, they will lead to fundamental changes in Iran's social structure and future generations will benefit from this stance. In practice, these quiet efforts and gatherings of resistance have succeeded in creating a kind of unity and solidarity among women and even some men in society, which has sparked a broader and more powerful movement. A movement that reminds women that equal rights are possible and that they can pave the way for change through awareness, unity and civic capacity.

 

KURDISH WOMEN

 

Iranian and Kurdish women have been resisting oppression and discrimination for years. Despite geographical differences, both groups are making progress towards achieving women's freedom and legal equality. While Kurdish women in Bakur and Bashur are involved in the struggle for equal rights in the legal, political and social spheres, the women's movement in Rojava has managed to create social and political structures for gender equality, despite the specific political conditions and military conflicts. One of the important features of the women's movement in Rojava is the formation of independent women's organizations that are not dependent on traditional patriarchal institutions. Pexshan Ezîzî, who worked as a journalist and aid worker in Rojava for some time during the war, is an example of militant and philanthropic women who are able to engage in valuable and humanitarian activities in war and in difficult conditions. Her involvement with Kurdish women fighters and her humanitarian work demonstrates the solidarity and influence of the Iranian and Kurdish women's movements, showing how they can inspire and cooperate with each other. The slogan 'Jin, jiyan, azadi', born out of the Kurdish women's struggle, is now used in Iranian women's movements as a symbolic slogan for equality and justice. This slogan signifies a deep and inclusive solidarity between the Iranian and Kurdish women's movements, demonstrating their bond and cohesion in the struggle for freedom and equal rights. Kurdish women in Bakur and Rojava have been fighting for their equality and freedom for years, and these experiences are now inspiring Iranian women as well.” 

 

MA / Berivan Kutlu