Abstract
This article examines the trajectory of Iranian women’s ongoing struggle for equality and political agency against the state’s theological patriarchy, culminating in the “Women, Life, Freedom” movement following the tragic death of Mahsa/Zina Amini in 2022. It highlights the deep historical roots of women’s activism, from literary protests and earlier parliamentary participations to grassroots campaigns such as the One Million Signatures Movement. It analyzes the systemic tension between the restrictive legal structure of the state – which institutionalizes inequality through compulsory hijab and conditional rights – and the growing educational and professional achievements of civil society.
The author argues that this inconsistency has caused widespread discontent and exposed the state’s reliance on the “myth of women’s inferiority.” Ultimately, this movement, led by women and supported by men, represents a fundamental paradigm shift in the relationship between society and state, challenging the entrenched logic of enforced gender segregation and violence.
