BUT WE WERE SO STRONG

With the start of the Woman, Life, Freedom Movement in 2022, life for Iranians has been tumultuous and full of changes. Women who have been struggling for years in various ways to escape oppression are now taking bold steps to demand their freedom.
Despite government efforts to create a dichotomy between people’s demands and exploit public protests, it has only temporarily suppressed the movement and failed to stop the rebellious presence of unveiled women. Over the years, many have been arrested or threatened. Returning to the past life, even enjoying a simple gathering, has become extremely difficult.
However, the younger generation has shown remarkable courage. They go about their lives, hold gatherings, appear in public without hijab, and ignore threats. They refuse to let fear dictate their choices.
Yet, I wonder—what made previous generations surrender their rights?
Now, women, as the most affected group under Iran’s laws, have shown that despite threats, intimidation, and trials, they will no longer submit to coercion or force.
They want to live peacefully side by side—whether with or without hijab—free from pressure and compulsion.
So, they actively work to normalize their chosen appearance for others.
Before this movement, anyone with a different style of hijab would be singled out or shamed.
But through this act, they aim to make things just as they are in the rest of the world.
And they consider this the simplest and most fundamental step toward reclaiming their rights.
(This is part of a long-term project about women’s persistence and their hope for reclaiming their rights in Iran.)