Amidst the protests in Iran after Mahsa Amini's death, several women are burning their headscarves and boycotting hijab. This event can be marked as an important landmark for the future of Iranian society if the women successfully gain their rights of expression and freedom back. Hijab and Burkha are not just symbolic of religion but are rather symbolic to a patriarchal society and oppressed women in Iran. As much as it is a part of their culture and their identity, it also defines decades- long mistreatment of women and an enclosed society reluctant to change and reform. Though the women are so much more than the Hijab and Burqa that depict their 'so called' identity, we fail to acknowledge them.
The Pahlavi Dynasty that ruled Iran for over 54 years was overthrown by an extremist political party under Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini establishing the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Pahlavis had a modern mindset and a liberal attitude, reforming Iran in progressive ways. However, the present days tell a different story. What changed Iran into a regressive society from being a progressive one?
The year was 1953 when the United States orchestrated a covert operation that toppled Iran's democratically elected Prime Minister, Mohammad Mosaddegh. The move was motivated by Western concerns over the nationalisation of Iran's oil industry. The last Shah of the Pahlavi dynasty, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, ascended to power with the backing of the US and its allies, further consolidating his rule to counter growing opposition.
However, the Shah's authoritarian reign fanned the flames of discontent among the Iranian populace. People from various walks of life, including secular and religious groups, united in a campaign of civil resistance against the regime's oppressive tactics. The movement gained momentum, culminating in widespread demonstrations that shook the country to its core in October of 1977.
Tragically, the protests turned violent, resulting in the loss of numerous lives as security forces clashed with demonstrators in the streets. The government's brutal response further stoked the fury of the people, fueling their determination to bring about substantive change. The nation teetered on the brink of a revolutionary breakthrough.
In 1979, the tide of resistance reached its zenith. The Pahlavi dynasty, unable to contain the growing unrest, was forced into exile. Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, a prominent cleric and figurehead of the revolution, stepped into the void, proclaiming himself the Supreme Leader of the newly established Islamic Republic of Iran. This marked a profound turning point in the nation's history.
Under Khomeini's leadership, the Islamic Republican party gained power and swiftly enacted a series of sweeping changes. The imposition of Sharia law became a cornerstone of the new regime, leading to the oppression of women and a curtailment of their rights and freedoms. Overnight, the lives of countless women were transformed as the mandatory wearing of hijab became a symbol of submission to the regime. Violators faced severe punishments, including public lashings, imprisonment, and even execution. This swift shift in social norms and the suppression of women's aspirations struck at the heart of Iranian society. Women who had once played active roles in education, politics, and various professions found themselves relegated to the sidelines, their dreams and ambitions crushed under the weight of an oppressive ideology. The events that unfolded in Iran during this period reverberated far beyond its borders, sparking international condemnation and drawing attention to the plight of Iranian women. The imposition of Sharia law represented a stark departure from the progressive strides made by the country in previous decades.
The legacy of this transformative era still lingers in Iran's political landscape today. The struggle for women's rights and the desire for greater freedoms remain core issues for many Iranians who continue to advocate for change within the framework of the Islamic Republic. Looking back on this tumultuous chapter in Iranian history serves as a reminder of the profound consequences that geopolitical manoeuvres can have on a nation's trajectory. It also underscores the enduring resilience of those who strive for justice and equality, even in the face of formidable adversity.
The day Khomeini rose to power, women in Iran had lost their right to live, or at least that's what we deduce? What do you think about it?
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