The Iran It is plagued by a deep financial crisis caused by corruption, mismanagement and stricter US sanctions after President Trump’s return to White House. “We can clearly feel that we are becoming poorer than month to month,” says NARGES (name changed) on DW. The 36 -year -old artist lives in the province of Sistan and Baluchitan in southeastern Iran. “Many of us work either in the service sector or in small craft businesses, which have less and less customers.”

OR Hook It belongs to a generation of women who, thanks to online platforms and social networks, have managed to stand up on their feet, despite all the restrictions on the labor market. They work from home and sell their products online.

Their income plays a decisive role for their families. Although The province of Sistan and Baluchitan It is rich in natural resources, such as gold, silver, copper and other metals, is one of the poorest areas in the country. Balouci, who are primarily Sunnis and therefore minority in Shiite Iran, suffer from drought and lack of water and have been protesting for systematic discrimination by the central government in Tehran for decades.

“The current financial crisis has pushed even more families below the poverty line,” says Nargas. When resources are diminishing, women have the duty to decide what the family can be deprived of and what money can be spent. And they often give up first of their own needs.

Women are particularly harshly affected

Since President Massoud Pezkian’s duties in August 2024, the Iranian currency has again lost great value. The exchange rate fell from 50,000 Tom to 93,000 toman per dollar, which corresponds to a loss of about 50% in a few months. Officially, inflation is 31% – in fact, many products and services now cost more than more than before.

Even before the current crisis, almost one -third of the population lived in poverty. According to a report by the Iranian Parliament’s research center, over 30% of people were no longer able to meet its basic needs.

“Working women, especially single mothers, suffer disproportionately from these conditions. Many of them are in an acute existential crisis, “trade unionist Simin Yakouban warned in an interview with the State News Agency Ilna in late February. “Working women do not know how to make a living and keep a roof over their heads.”

Despite the increased number of women in the new government and Pescian’s promise to defend women’s rights, the reality remains bitter for many women. “What specific improvements has this for women? What legal improvements are there for women, mothers or single parent families? ” Wondeces Yakouban. “Women are systematically exploited, especially in the service sector. They work more hours and earn less. “

The financial involvement of women in Iran is one of the lowest in the world. According to theGlobaleconomy.com, the participation rate of women in the workforce was only 14.38% in 2023 – far behind countries such as Saudi Arabia or Oman, where it is twice as high, 30%. And when the crisis is deteriorating, women are often the first to lose their jobs.

A ray of hope dissolved

In addition to economic pressure, state pressure on the activists and organizations of civil society is increasing, especially in women’s rights activists. Well -known lawyer Marzi Mochbyby was forced to leave the country and now lives in France. At the end of February 2024, all of its assets in Iran were seized by a court ruling.

Mochbybi founded and led the NGO “Sora – Union of Iranian lawyers” in Mahabad. “For nothing else I am not as proud in my life as for this Union,” she says in an interview with DW. “Over 250 female lawyers were active, we were representing female prisoners, often free and under difficult circumstances. We were a source of hope for many women. At first, even the authorities praised us. “

Reports from state -run media about Sora’s work can still be found on the internet today. The organization offered legal seminars for women in government offices and conducted a campaign for imprisoned women who had been victims of violence and poverty until it was targeted by the government. “We were accused of spreading feminism. They called me and interrogated me several times, ”says Mochby.

Following the outbreak of nationwide demonstrations after the death of 22 -year -old Gina Maha Maha Amini in September 2022, many of her colleagues were arrested. Protests with the slogan “Woman, Life, Freedom” quickly became a symbol of resistance to compulsory headscarf and systematic discrimination against women. Many young women were arrested.

The City Revolutionary Court of Amphand has initiated a proceedings against Mochby before even defending the arrested demonstrators. “The authorities wanted to control the work of our organization. I refused and dismantled the organization. I left the country because of retaliation. “

Mochby is convinced that her work was not in vain. She and her colleagues have given a significant impetus to their educational work, the results of which will become significantly in the long run. Her colleagues continue their work on women’s rights to date.

A generation of more confidence grows

Despite this oppression, Iranian women have gained more confidence. After the demonstrations with the slogan “Woman, Life, Freedom”, one can see on the streets of large cities, such as Tehran, more and more without a headscarf. Even in traditional conservative areas, such as Baluchistan, there is a change of behavior, says artist NARGES.

“The situation of women in Baluchistan was never comparable to that of cities,” he says, adding: “We have a patriarchal society. Many women here are enough. But now we see a change. More and more families are putting less pressure on their daughters. They are increasingly allowed to decide for themselves what to wear. We have become more courageous. Even those women who used to get their family’s permission for each decision have changed. The movement “Woman, Life, Freedom” has changed “.

Curated by: Costas Argyros