The Tide is Turning in Tehran
Last week in Iran, a young, twenty-two-year-old woman named Mahsa Amini died after being taken into custody for wearing attire that did not fit the repressive standards imposed by the morality police in Tehran. As protests flood the nation and Iranian women demand justice and equity, what can we do to support them? And, how can non-Muslim women be a better support system for Muslim women?
The "morality police" have unchecked power. According to Agence France-Presse (AFP), the morality police of Iran have a considerable amount of power and authority: "Under the morality police, Iranian women must cover their hair. They are also forbidden from wearing coats that do not reach below the knee, tight trousers, jeans with holes or brightly colored outfits." Mahsa Amini was arrested in her brother's car last Tuesday and, shortly after, was transported to the hospital suffering from "multiple blows to the head." She died on Friday in Tehran, a tragedy that has inflamed the nation. Iranian officials claim that Amini died because of a heart attack, and The New York Times reported that they have denied all allegations that she was physically harmed en route to a detention facility.
Women are leading the protests. If the morality police believe that fear of detention or "behavioral correction courses" will dissuade women from demanding justice for Amini, they are gravely mistaken. Protests have blanketed the country and spilled across the globe as Iranian diaspora communities and Muslim women lead the charge for change. Jasmin Ramsey, the deputy director at the Center for Human Rights in Iran (based in the U.S.), told The New York Times, that this is a “culmination of the past five years where all facets of society — laborers, teachers, retirees, university students and average people everywhere — have been trying to call for an end to the crisis of impunity in Iran despite violent state repression.”
The UN has called for an investigation. The United Nations is taking Amini's death seriously, as are foreign governments. UN Women released a statement yesterday, saying in part: "The death of any young person, any young woman, is a tragedy beyond measure. The circumstances surrounding this series of events are cause for particular concern. [...] The precise causes and circumstances of her death are unclear. What is clear is that she was detained and treated in violation of the most basic human rights. The incident also underscores the abuses experienced by women and girls worldwide. In this context, we echo the call of our colleagues at the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, for a prompt, impartial, and effective investigation by an independent competent authority. May Mahsa Amini rest in peace."
Respect and uplift Muslim women's choices. In photos from protests for Mahsa Amini, you will see some Muslim women wearing hijabs while other Muslim women do not. It is important to remember that protestors are fighting for justice and equity, which includes a woman's right to choose what to wear. Vice's 2019 article "100 Ways to Better Support Muslim Women" offers culturally competent advice for anyone wondering what may or may not be an appropriate question or comment. Here are five points we found particularly useful right now:
"Challenge your own sexism. Assuming we’re oppressed based on how we dress, date, or otherwise practice our religion is sexist."
"Consume media by multiple Muslim women of different races, backgrounds, and from different locations."
"Take notice of the language used when discussing an issue that centers Muslims in the news outlets you watch and read."
"Don’t ask us why we wear the hijab; don’t ask us why we don’t wear the hijab."
"The internet is one of the largest vehicles for Islamophobia. Speak up for Muslims, especially Muslim women, who are being targeted online."
Read these two Bold and Bookish picks. Two of our past Bold and Bookish memoir selections are about Iranian-American families. They Said They Wanted Revolution, by Vice reporter Neda Toloui-Semnani, is a "gripping and emotional memoir of family and the tumultuous history of two nations." Her memoir "illuminates the costs of righteous activism across generations." Funny in Farsi by Firoozeh Dumas has been highly praised and even earned a review from former President Jimmy Carter! He said her memoir is "a humorous and introspective chronicle of a life filled with love -- of family, country, and heritage." You can find both books on our BookShop.