Over the past few weeks, tensions in Iran have run high as fights for women’s rights are undermined by an oppressive government. The source of such unrest: a 16-year-old young woman, Nika Shakarami, who was called to prison on account of a compulsory dress code violation, suddenly died in custody.

Citizens have peacefully reacted using strong political statements by chopping off their hair or publishing books. Author of The Wind In My Hair, Masih Alinejad, shares that she has “too much hair, too much voice, and [she is] too much of a woman for them.” Although it may come across as sudden, these protests can be categorized as anything but; they are a product of decades of built-up resentment towards the corrupt and deeply sexist Iranian government. 

Times were not always like this. Before the Iranian Revolution, Women were active citizens in society. Starting in 1963, they had the right to vote and were able to hold power positions in the government. Comparatively, women in Iran were granted the right to education decades before those in the United States.

After the revolution ended in 1979, Iran was turned into an Islamic republic, and women’s rights were severely backslid. Any freedom women had was stripped away by Shah’s reign, and to worsen the hit on female rights, more restrictions were added. Family protection laws were abolished, and women now needed to be accompanied by a male if they wanted to go outside. Additionally, injustices in the court system prevailed because of new laws that a female’s testimony was worth less than a man’s. Dress code and behavioral norms needed to be followed precisely, or there would be serious repercussions like being taken into custody or even execution.  

After this unjust incident, the Iranian people’s passion only builds as the government continues to react with opposition to the cause. Police officials burn fires, commit unjust arrests, and partake in unwarranted murders. 

In the United States, weekly protests have been held in local neighborhoods, and media coverage spanned all across outlets. The movement has taken on a slogan that has been used in songs, paintings, and even street art around the world: Woman, Life, Freedom. Since September, however, news and public response have become less frequent. In hopes of countering the weakened interest of the public, Hewitt’s Current Events Club plans to pursue relevant discussions. As an all-girls school, the Current Events Club, and Hewitt, by extension, feel the responsibility to band together by educating and raising awareness. 

The club meets on Day Three at break time in room 33 and heads Goldie Zarabi, and Chloe Patricof encourage all upper school students to join in hopes of educating themselves about topics of relevant interest.

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