A few weeks ago, the world found out how a young woman died in Tehran, Iran after her arrest. Thousands of people die every day, but this woman, Mahsa Amini, has become a symbol for gender equality of the decade. On September 16th of 2022, after being arrested and abused for the improper way in which she chose to wear her hijab, Mahsa died all but peacefully while in the custody of Iran’s “morality police” (authorities who “police” citizens based on their theocratic beliefs).
Iran has an extreme dress code that is viewed critically by many Western societies. The general consensus is that it is extremely conservative and unfair towards females. The dress code for both Iranian women and tourists is to wear loose clothing covering one’s entire body from head to toe except for hands and face, while even more conservative dress is required in places of business or religious centers. A common Iranian saying is that “A modestly dressed woman is like a pearl in a shell” (Simigh). Meanwhile, men get to dress much more liberally (no hair coverings necessary, T-shirts allowed for tourists) in most places, even if they can’t wear shorts in public spaces. Women in Iran have had few other safe choices than to comply with the strict social standards, but the brutal death of the 22 year old has garnered the entire world’s attention; NBC news, a US centered news correspondent, has made multiple broadcasts about the event, despite catering to the opposite side of the globe.
Perhaps one of the most disconcerting issues is that Mahsa was in fact not a local, but a tourist. She was traveling to Tehran with family, and was arrested by the local authorities. She was then physically assaulted by them and held in a “guidance center” for a few days. The state has responded that she died simply of an unexpected heart attack, but this claim has been viewed very critically due to its high unlikelihood. Regardless of the exact cause of her passing, however, these “morality police” and the legislation they follow are lacking in respect for women, as well as female representation. Additionally, this violent event happened only a few months after two Muslim women who had been living abroad returned to their families only to be killed by their brothers after rejecting their newlyarranged, nonconsensual marriages. According to El País, the women were “strangled to death in a so-called ‘honor killing.'”
Following the death of Mahsa Amini, there have been dozens of protests across the country, with women publicly cutting their hair and burning their headscarves. Many of these protests have turned violent, and protesters have been arrested and killed.
With similar violent attacks on women who do not comply with different societal standards occurring often, the lack of women’s rights is becoming increasingly apparent. In Spain, women can feel very fortunate to have a progressive society and a safe environment for most. This isn’t the case everywhere though, which demonstrates a problem that remains to be solved. We must consider it our worldwide responsibility to help the women who are unable to wear what they want, go out without a man, and make their own life choices. Everyone can take part in this initiative by raising awareness, including through keeping up to date with research and world issues involving inequality. One useful resource is the UN Women organization, which addresses women’s rights issues around the globe. Ultimately, the true power lies in government and community leaders, which makes it important to be mindful when voting. Women’s rights are a current issue that can be in no way denied, and people must take action now to prevent deaths like Amini’s from happening again.
Bibliography:
“Sisters Allegedly Murdered by Husbands in Pakistan “Honour” Killing.” The Guardian, 24 May 2022, www.theguardian.com/global-development/2022/may/24/sisters-allegedly-murdered-by-husbands-in-pakistan-honour-killing.
Motamedi, Maziar. “What We Know after 11 Nights of Protests in Iran.” Www.aljazeera.com, 28 Sept. 2022, www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/9/28/what-we-know-after-11-days-of-protests-in-iran.
“Mahsa Amini’s Death Sparks Anger towards Iran’s Morality Police.” Www.aljazeera.com, 23 Sept. 2022, www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/9/23/iran-morality-police-root-cause-iranian-protest-anger-explainer.
Rasaeipoor, Maryam. “Iran Dress Code | What to Wear When You Travel to Iran.” Iran Sun World Travel Agency, 31 July 2018, irantours24.com/iran-dress-code/. Accessed 30 Sept. 2022.
Thank you Aoife for your thoughtful and timely article about women’s rights, with reference to equality in more general terms. Your article makes me think about privilege and my responsibility to raise awareness, to advocate for others who are less able to advocate for themselves, and to take action on matters related to basic human rights.