Iranian Women Challenge Hijab Laws Amidst Political Turmoil

In Tehran, young women are increasingly defying Iran's compulsory hijab laws, sharing videos online of themselves walking unveiled. This movement has gained momentum more than three years after the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Kurdish woman who died in custody after being arrested by the morality police for allegedly violating dress code regulations. Her death sparked significant unrest in Iran, leading to a crackdown by security forces that resulted in hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries among protesters.

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The "hijab and chastity" law, enacted in 2024, imposes severe penalties on women for violations, including fines up to £12,500, flogging, and prison sentences ranging from five to 15 years for repeat offenders. The Iranian government has encouraged public participation in enforcing these laws through a state-backed reporting platform, allowing citizens to report women for alleged violations.

The Guardian

Despite the heightened enforcement of hijab laws, public sentiment appears to be shifting. Hoda, a Tehran-based journalist, expressed that many women are increasingly willing to flout these regulations, stating, “We never needed Khamenei’s permission, nor do we need it now.” She noted that the Iranian regime is using the hijab issue as a distraction from more pressing national concerns, such as water shortages and labor protests.

The Guardian

Golnar, another activist, acknowledged the risks of arrest but emphasized a collective effort to push boundaries, suggesting that the regime's weakened state due to war and sanctions limits its capacity for mass arrests. “They need good PR and cannot risk viral images of hijab arrests,” she remarked.

The Guardian

Women across various regions of Iran report a similar shift in attitudes. Shaghayegh, a member of an all-women motorcycle club, noted that authorities have become less stringent in enforcing hijab laws, allowing her group to ride freely. In Shiraz, Leyla, a business owner, described a newfound energy among women choosing their attire, viewing it as a sign of bravery rather than a call for reform.

The Guardian

In contrast, Zerin, a student from Iran's Kurdistan region, highlighted ongoing challenges, stating that while the morality police presence is minimal, broader targeting continues based on ethnic identity.

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Skylar Thompson, deputy director of Human Rights Activists in Iran, expressed concerns that intensified enforcement of hijab laws could lead to mass arrests under the guise of national security. He noted that the political and economic climate in Iran is fragile, and any provocation could trigger further unrest.

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• “We never needed Khamenei’s permission, nor do we need it now.” — Hoda, Journalist

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• “Do I have it in the back of my head that I will be at any time dragged into a van? Yes, I am not going to lie. But the plan is to push the boundaries collectively, so they can’t break a few of us,” — Golnar, Activist

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• “Honestly, it’s really hopeful to see. The fact that more and more women choose how they dress is exactly what makes them braver. These visuals are a proof of our bravery and not the reform that many pro-regime folks are pointing to.” — Leyla, Business Owner

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• “I fear when they start enforcing hijab in Tehran, they will use that as an excuse to make mass arrests of our men and women simply over our identity, and make up national security and spy charges like they have been doing before and after Mahsa Amini’s death.” — Skylar Thompson, Deputy Director, Human Rights Activists in Iran

The Guardian

This ongoing struggle reflects a complex interplay of cultural, political, and social dynamics in Iran, as women navigate the challenges posed by state-imposed dress codes amidst a backdrop of broader societal issues.

The Guardian