The Iranian regime’s enforcement of hijab laws has once again become the center of attention, following shocking footage of Ahoo Daryaei, who protested by stripping down to her undergarments at Tehran's Islamic Azad University. Her act of defiance highlights the continuing struggle of women in Iran to assert their personal agency, particularly after the tragic death of Mahsa Amini. The 22-year-old Kurdish woman died in custody after being detained for allegedly not wearing her hijab correctly, igniting widespread outcry and protests across the country.
It’s disheartening to think about how, even in the 21st century, Iranian women are still battling for control over their bodies and choices. A survey conducted by the Group for Analysing and Measuring Attitudes in Iran (GAMAAN) revealed some startling statistics: 72% of Iranians oppose the compulsory hijab laws, with 58% expressing disbelief in the necessity of the hijab altogether. Despite this overwhelming opposition to the hijab imposition, the Iranian authorities interpret such acts of dissent through the lens of political threat.
The ruling regime, embodied by the Supreme Leader and his followers, operates within the framework of strict authoritarianism. There’s this palpable fear within the leadership: even the smallest shift could endanger their control. Understandably, the Iranian government views any potential relaxation of hijab restrictions not just as relinquishing authority over women’s dress but as opening the floodgates for broader freedoms. Such concessions could establish precedents for future demands on other social and political rights, which those in power are evidently desperate to avoid.
Patriarchal narratives long defend the enforced hijab, promoting it as necessary for women’s safety. This old trope positions women’s clothing as the solution to violence against them, rather than addressing the deep-rooted societal issue: the prevailing attitudes toward women. Essentially, it's victim-blaming, stating women must alter their behaviors and clothing choices to be ‘worthy’ of their safety. This misguided rationale doesn't tackle the root causes of gender-based violence and instead burdens women with the responsibility for the crimes committed against them.
During discussions on platforms like Times Now, the contradictions displayed by ‘liberals’ were stark. Instead of championing the rights of women to choose their attire, some debated irrelevant and tangential issues, distracting from the main conversation about women’s autonomy. Arguments sprang up defending the legality of hijab laws based on their sharia origins, which only serves to complicate the fundamental issue of personal freedom. Many participants dismissed the public protest as mere indecency — ignoring its broader socio-political significance.
What stood out was how these so-called liberal Muslims reacted to the protests against the hijab. Their focus seemed less on the women enduring the harsh enforcement and more on the narrative surrounding perceived Islamophobia. The absurdity of calling protesting women 'sisters' of the morality police speaks volumes about the internalized confusion and reluctance to support fellow women fighting for their rights.
Meanwhile, the case of Mohammad Habibi, one of Iran's prominent education rights activists, is equally telling. He is embroiled within the nation's oppressive system, continually advocating for the rights of teachers and students, especially female students affected by the regime's tightening grip. Habibi's activism began gaining public notice during the 2022 “Women, Life, Freedom” protests instigated by Amini’s death, with young women and students rallying for justice.
Even as governmental forces crack down hard, resulting in the deaths of over 90 young individuals during protests, Habibi stands steadfastly alongside those advocating for change. His prominence within the Coordinated Council of Iranian Teacher Trade Associations (CCITTA) has drawn the ire of the authorities. He’s faced numerous arrests, torture, and harassment simply for demanding fundamental rights.
Reports highlighted Habibi's efforts to mitigate the impact of horrific incidents, particularly those involving schools suffering from serial poisonings targeting girls. From 2022 to 2023, these attacks wreaked havoc within educational institutions, forcing parents to keep their daughters at home out of fear. Victims reported severe symptoms, including dizziness, breathing issues, and chest pains, compounding the broader anxieties surrounding education for girls under the current regime.
Recently, Habibi was dismissed from his teaching position and sentenced to six months of imprisonment, starting November 11, 2024, due to his continuous advocacy for teacher rights. Such punitive measures reveal the lengths to which the Iranian government will go to silence dissenters and discourage anyone from demanding basic human rights.
This new wave of repression targets not just activists but also centers around the enacted educational policies, especially for girls. The Iranian authorities have ramped up their suppressive measures, particularly during marking anniversaries of the Women, Life, Freedom movement, demonstrating their continued fear of collective upheaval.
The spotlight now firmly rests on activists like Ahoo Daryaei and Mohammad Habibi as they represent broader movements combating gender discrimination, authoritarianism, and the stifling of educational rights. Daryaei’s recent protests garnered attention from organizations like Amnesty International, which has called for her release and demanded investigations concerning her treatment during detention.
On the other hand, Habibi’s case resonates with endeavors aimed at ensuring educational rights and freedoms within Iran. Although personal liberty alongside educational access remains severely compromised, the collective action and dedication shown by these figures pose real challenges to the entrenched authority. They indicate one thing: people are ready to stand up against oppression.
Through concerted efforts against state violence and patriarchy, activists will continue fostering societal shifts. Their actions may well inspire future generations to pursue reforms until sweeping changes ripple through Iran’s sociopolitical fabric. Despite the government’s dominance, the spirit of resilience and activism continues to challenge the very foundations of authoritarianism, pushing for recognition of basic rights, gender equity, and the autonomy to live freely.
