Bravery and Oppression — Women in Iran
I stumbled upon some stunning photos of Tehran, Iran, showcasing the city’s historical forts and buildings. I was wonderstruck. It was almost like going back in time and seeing the richness of art and culture.
Unfortunately,I fear I can’t see the grandeur of this art and architecture, for I am a woman. In Iran, women face restrictions on their personal and professional lives, and their rights are extremely limited compared to what we have in other parts of the world. The mere thought of accidentally revealing some hair or having my scarf slip in the wind fills me with fear that I may not see the next day. The tragic fate of Masha Amini who was beaten up on the street and thrown into a van, reminds me of the dangers that women in Iran face every day. She was a human being like you and me, with hopes and dreams, but her life was cut short by the oppressive system in Iran. She was they say had to be “Morally corrected”. It’s a shame. It’s a shame to see that breathing freely has become only a privilege to be dictated by ‘honorable men’ to ‘mere humans’.
The protests taking place in Iran are a testament to the incredible bravery of the country’s women. Though far away from them, I cannot help but feel frightened when I consider what they are experiencing. They are standing up to their fears and fighting against oppression, despite the very real danger they face. For them, the future is uncertain, and they may not be able to see the next ray of sun.
Sometimes, I wonder what it would be like to live in a world where women could live freely.
A world where happiness reigns, empathy, and compassion flourish without any burdens of tradition or societal expectations. A world which allows everyone to breathe freely, independently. Mahsa Amini’s hair became a problem for the regime, yet it was this very hair that was publicly cut into pieces as a means of intimidating those who put up their ‘morals’ on the pedestal as a guide or rather a force that can’t be questioned.
We frequently erect barriers between people based on their religion, wealth, gender, or social status. And within moments, our humanity disappears.
History will behold as women stand and take control of their lives and choices.
And as Bob Dylan would say ‘Come gather ‘round poeple to witness the battle that’s raging, for the times they are a changin’.
