This article, based on an interview with Dr. Nayereh Tohidi, analyzes the “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement in Iran three years after the death of Mahsa Amini, the revolution that changed Iran. The piece explains that while the large-scale street protests have subsided, the movement’s core message continues through daily acts of civil disobedience, particularly among women who refuse to wear the mandatory hijab.
The article highlights the cultural achievements of the movement, such as challenging the state’s culture of mourning and introducing new values of life and joy. It also discusses how the movement has opened up new conversations about gender roles and bodily autonomy, and how it has influenced political dynamics in Iran, even leading to the election of a more moderate president. The piece concludes that despite the regime’s harsh crackdown, the society has undergone an irreversible cultural transformation, and the youth are no longer afraid.
To read the original Persian version of this article, please change the language of this webpage.
