Last September, Iran witnessed sweeping public protests, characterized as the first feminist uprising in the region, following the death of Mahsa (Jina) Amini in custody of Iran’s morality police. The visually striking images of women and girls defying compulsory hijab laws and the powerful slogan “women, life, freedom” garnered widespread international sympathy. However, the government responded with a brutal crackdown, resulting in hundreds of deaths and tens of thousands of arrests. Nearly nine months later, women’s right to choose their own way of dressing remains at the forefront of the protest movement. Understanding the evolution of women’s rights activism in Iran sheds light on why the issue of the compulsory hijab has taken center stage. Over the years, Iranian women have faced discrimination in various aspects of their lives, particularly in marriage, divorce, and custody matters. The compulsory hijab laws post-1979 have significantly impacted women’s public life, determining their access to employment, education, healthcare, and social benefits. Compliance with these laws is enforced through a complex web of rules and arbitrary interpretations by state agents and businesses. Surprisingly, the choice of dress code as a collective issue was not initially embraced by Iran’s women’s movement. Instead, the battle against compulsory hijab was fought primarily through individual acts of defiance by millions of women, including activists, across the country.
Iran has a long history of movements advocating for women’s rights, both before and after the 1979 revolution. Most of these movements sought equality under the law and aimed to address gaps in legal protection by promoting international human rights instruments. Notably, the “One Million Signature Campaign to Demand the Repeal of Discriminatory Laws,” launched in 2006, focused on issues such as age discrimination, inheritance inequality, and guardianship in divorce cases, but the compulsory hijab was notably absent from their agenda. The movement faced significant state pressure during the Ahmadinejad presidency, leading many human rights defenders and activists to seek exile. Consequently, the focus of women’s rights defenders shifted towards promoting women’s representation in public life, sports events, and protection against sexual harassment. The expansion of internet access in Iran brought about a new era of digital social protest. Social media platforms became powerful tools for sharing information and experiences outside official channels.
Women shared stories of sexual harassment and assault, forming their own #metoo movement, leading to the arrest of several prominent figures accused of harassment. Exiled activist Masih Alinejad initiated campaigns against the compulsory hijab in 2014, propelling the issue into the political debate. In 2017, Vida Movahed’s act of defiance on Enghelab (Revolution) Street in Tehran triggered a series of bold protests, inspiring women known as the “girls of revolution street” to join the cause. Iran’s penal code criminalizes women appearing in public without the “sharia hijab,” punishable by fines or imprisonment.
The persistent enforcement of compulsory hijab can be seen as a symbol of popular disconnect with the Islamic republic. As the government struggles to meet basic needs, imposing an increasingly unpopular and abusive policy only fuels public frustration and dissent. Despite government efforts to increase enforcement through facial recognition and pressure on businesses, the legitimacy of current regulations is eroding, especially in the face of mass demonstrations. The movement of “women, life, freedom” has become a powerful lever for mobilization and demands for change, making women’s rights an integral part of any pathway towards fundamental change in Iran.