Uprising Against Systematic Humiliation in Iran: Struggle for Fundamental Rights

THE Donna Rudd he stayed in his prison Iran for 11 days. She had dared to do something that many Iranian women dream about every day. To go out in everyday clothes and sit carelessly in a cafe. A month ago, Donya Rudd posted a photo with her sister in a cafe in the traditionally more religious and poor Javadiyeh district of southern Tehran. A day later, her sister tweeted that Donya Rudd had been arrested.

“It may sound ridiculous but all we want is a simple, normal life,” 21-year-old student Mariam from Tehran told DW. “My dream is to be able to go to university in casual clothes, go out with my friends, be able to laugh and be happy without constantly being afraid of being arrested.”

Struggle for few and fundamental rights

Women are the driving force behind the protests over the death of Mahsha Amini by the police. The systematic humiliation of women and the anger it causes plays an important role in their mobilization. “This anger unites Iranian women from all walks of life,” Iranian writer and activist Sadi Amin told DW.

The police deny the accusations that they are responsible for the death of the 22-year-old. “Women know the brutality of the security forces,” says Sandi Amin. “Despite everything, they are taking to the streets and protesting. They know that their future will not be good if the political system continues to function as it is today. They are educated, well informed. They don’t take inequality for granted,” he emphasizes. According to official figures, 60% of students in Iran are female. However, the percentage of women in the labor market is only 15%.

Women are angry because despite their efforts they have little chance of living an independent life of their own making. According to Sharia-based laws, every woman depends on the will of her father or husband for all important decisions concerning her life. She is at a disadvantage simply because of her gender.

Women have no role in power

This is confirmed by a recent study by the World Economic Forum (WEF) Foundation. In the “Gender Gap Report 2022”, Iran is ranked 143 out of a total of 146 internationally.

The WEF examines the areas of economy, education, health and politics and analyzes gender equality. The political participation of women plays an important role in the ranking. For example, Germany moved up one place to tenth due to the increasing participation of women in politics.

In the Islamic Republic of Iran, however, women have no place in power structures. They cannot become religious leaders, they are not allowed to run for the Presidency, they are barred from the judiciary. Women are not allowed to belong to important bodies such as the council of experts, arbitrators or guardian of morals.

“My parents want me to immigrate like my cousins,” says student Mariam. “It wouldn’t be simple for them, but they know my life here wouldn’t be easy. Many Iranian women who have migrated abroad are successful and have a good life. But I want to stay. Who knows; Maybe the country will change this time.”

DW – Sabnam von Hein/ Maria Rigoutsou

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