Author: Camille Campbell, STF Youth Ambassador
Women, Life, Freedom. This powerful motto, shouted out by Iranian youth, became a symbol of unceasing protests in Iran. For decades, women in Iran have faced many discriminations in almost every area of their lives.
On September 16, 2022, Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old, was beaten and killed by morality police for allegedly breaking Iran’s strict dress code. Since then, women’s rights protests have erupted within Iran, calling for freedom, dignity, and reforms.
Among those who lost their lives after attending peaceful protests were Sarina, a sixteen-year-old YouTuber who loved spending time with friends and singing along to Hozier's music in the car (which Hozier has since posted on Twitter), and Nika, a sixteen-year-old who worked at a local cafe in Tehran and dreamt of becoming a singer.
Many young Iranian schoolgirls like Sarina and Nika are risking their lives today because they are tired of living in fear and obeying extremely restrictive Iranian laws. By the laws of their country, girls can't show their hair and are banned from dancing or solo singing in public. Yet, if you scroll through the newsfeed, you will see young schoolgirls courageously unveiling their hair at protests, as they demand the right to choose whether or not they want to cover their hair. Despite facing the risk of imprisonment and death, they dance together at protests on the streets and publically sing the powerful song Bonero.
During this critical time, we must raise our voices to support the brave women’s rights protesters in Iran and bring international attention to the injustices they face.
Here are three steps you can take to support girls in Iran:
Sign the Vital Voices “Women, Life, Freedom” petition which has been signed by supporters like Malala Yousafzai and Oprah Winfrey. Once you finish signing the petition, share posts from Vital Voices on your social media to encourage others to do the same! Every voice matters!
Use the power of social media to amplify the voices of women! Due to internet blackouts in Iran, it is important to use our internet access and platforms to lift the voices of Iranian activists. Some reliable media sources include BBC Persian, Middle East Matters, and Persian Magazine. You can reshare She’s the First’s Instagram post highlighting Iranian girls’ voices here.
Reach out to your representatives asking them to voice their support for Iranian women. Due to international activism, there is a bid to remove Iran from the UN Women’s Rights Commission, because of the government's brutal crackdowns on women's rights protesters. By raising your voice, you can make a difference wherever you live!
We reached out to Iranian girl activists around the world and were inspired by their powerful words. Here's what they have to say about the Iranian Women's Rights Movement:
“Iranian women and girls have faced structural oppression for far too long. It’s imperative that we support them during this ongoing historic women-led revolution. As an Iranian-American, I stand with the people of Iran. As a young woman, I admire the strength and resolve of the women and girls in Iran. And as a human, I applaud those across the world who are fighting for basic rights.” - Dana, 19
“Iran is a country that should be recognized for its struggles. Not only do women’s rights lack in Iran, but the Regime has made the country an unbearable place to live in. They do not care about the rights of the Iranian people. Theft, dishonesty, and silencing are all things that the Regime is guilty of doing. The Iranian people deserve freedom. They deserve the same basic human rights as so many other countries give their citizens.” - Dorsa, 19
“The female-led revolution in Iran is fueled by over four decades of oppression, violence, and lack of accountability. Iranian men and women stand unwavering in the face of bullets and brutality because they recognize that a life without bodily autonomy, the right to self-expression, and economic and social stability is not worth living. Raising awareness is no longer adequate. Iranians unanimously demand systemic change through international organizations and governments: it is long past time for action.” - Armita, 18
"This revolution is the first of its kind. Women in Iran are leading a movement for their most basic human rights, and they aren't stopping. They know what has been taken from them, and they won't stand for it any longer. These women are the definition of brave. The people's courage in Iran is incomprehensible. It is our job as the diaspora to empower them and make sure they are heard. شیر زنان ایران دارن برای آیندهی آزادی و پیروزی میجنگن “ - Lilinaz, 20 (Persian translation: The lions of Iranian women are fighting for the future of freedom and victory)
"I stand for freedom and revolution in Iran because I am a descendant of victims of this regime and see the trauma the past decades have caused. Both of my parents escaped from Iran as Bahai refugees during the 1980s. Had I grown up in Iran as a Bahai woman, I would not have been allowed to attend university and become an RN or physician. I wouldn't have been allowed to live with joy and the ability to pursue my passions or express my identity through faith and hair. People of all faiths, ethnic groups, and genders deserve freedom." - Sogand, 22
“My favorite Persian Proverb states, 'As long as you're standing, give a hand to those who have fallen.' While we may live in different places and speak various languages, what connects us in the human experience is uplifting each other regardless of the things that set us apart. Let us stand up for what's right and amplify the voices of our fellow human beings fighting for freedom in Iran." – Melina, 21
Connect with us on social media to read more quotes by Iranian activists and spread their inspiring words. Use your voice to support the girls in Iran and elevate their powerful message: Women, Life, Freedom!
Camille S. Campbell, 17, is an award-winning author of four books, including Her Poems: Women Poets Who Changed the World. The #1 Amazon New Release is used in many classrooms. Camille’s writing has been recognized by The New York Times, Girls’ Life, Scholastic, Bow Seat, Penguin Random House, and various journals. She’s also an education activist in her home state of Arizona, U.S.A. When she’s not writing, Camille enjoys silk painting, playing classical guitar, and reading mystery books. You can read more about her on camillescampbell.com.