Iranian women have become face of resistance, rebels and revolution

Atrocities against women in Iran has been a matter of concern for international organizations and human activists. Country has witnessed severe protests by women against moral restrictions over them, showcasing gender inequality on the name of religion, however these demonstrations have escalated after the death of 22 years old, Mahsa Amini. Died in hospital, she succumbed to her injuries while she was under custody, because of not wearing hijab, according to government standards. Suspicious circumstances led massive protest across the world, about Iran government’s brutality against women and their regressive approach towards morality, targeting only women. Now, a recent news have shook everybody, coming from Iran, that a 16 years old teenager was sexually assaulted and killed by three men, working for Iran’s security forces.
According to a BBC report, Nika Shakarami who was disappeared from anti-regime protest she participated in 2022, was found dead nine days later. While government declared, she killed herself, hidden documents investigated by BBC suspect foul play, in regards to conceal their act of barbarity. ‘Marked highly confidential, the report summarises a hearing on Nika’s case held by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) – the security force that defends the country’s Islamic establishment. It includes what it says are the names of her killers and the senior commanders who tried to hide the truth’, quoted BBC.
Disturbing details disclosed by BBC in their report describes horrifying events that took place after Nika was arrested while protesting, and was taken in an undercover van. It says, ‘One of the men molested her while he was sitting on her. Despite being handcuffed and restrained, she fought back, kicking and swearing. An admission that this provoked the men to beat her with batons.’ Since Nika’s death, her picture has become another demonstration of fight by women for freedom in Iran, after Mahsa Amini’s. Sugandha R., women activist is doing academic research around women struggle in Iran for her further study, since a year and has developed an understanding over discrimination and patriarchy. She said, ‘Firstly, I read the details about this particular case and it made me angry. A 16 years old teenager, who realized the wrong, when grown up men calls it right, and chose to stand up against it, ends up being molested and beaten to death by men backed by government. Where is the justice and who is going to assure that it will be served? Secondly, Iran is one of middle eastern countries, where the foundation is based on patriarchal misogyny. If you look at the history of the country, the revolution leaders or the rulers have repressed women development in all terms.’ She further added, that this fight is not a recent struggle but, an outbreak of a silent fight, women were into for decades.
BBC report exposed three names who were present with Nika at the time of her death and are accused for her murder. Arash Kalhor, Sadegh Monjazy and Behrooz Sadeghy were three members of Team 12, responsible to transfer Nika to Evin Prison in Tehran. Sugandha told EAT news, ‘Countries with male dominating society and women fighting for their rights becomes difficult for women to get justice. Even though, gender inequality is across the world, but traditional practices also plays significant role in delaying the eradication of such discrimination from society. Now, here government itself is responsible for the death, and so we cannot expect Nika or her family to get justice. Similarly, in Mahsa Amini’s case Iran’s government blatantly denied their involvement, that did not allow further investigation. I believe, such countries function according to the traditional values, that are still regressive for women in many ways.’
Protest by women in Iran has become global after, athletes, celebrities, journalists step in this movement, despite of threatening consequences. Number of Iranian female athletes revolted against country’s head covering restrictions, after they have participated without wearing hijab. Likewise, female actors have removed their head scarf as protest, publicly. in present, Iran and Taliban controlled Afghanistan are the only two countries, where hijab is mandatory for women. ‘Why Iran is facing one of the massive women led protest is because it is the only country with hijab being mandatory, and that comes under legal restrictions. There are various restrictions imposed on women in Iran and are questionable. They can’t sing in public or dance, can’t publish their work on social media, discrimination in practicing law, in marriage, inheritance, child custody, travelling in public or internationally. Women in Iran are protesting for the rights, they deserve’, said Sugandha.
Today, women in Iran are on frontline, fighting against regressive laws, women are forced to obey, and are chanting democratic slogans. Iranian women, who are told to step out with a male company, are rallying on streets and burning hijabs as a rebel demonstration.