An Iranian Human Rights activist’s perspective on women’s rights in Iran highlights the challenges and the ongoing struggle for equality between men and women, and their fundamental rights.
In a recent radio story, journalist Fariba Nawa explores the ongoing struggle for women’s rights in Iran, shedding light on the social, legal, and political barriers facing Iranian women. Drawing from years of reporting on human rights in Iran, Nawa highlights the resilience of women activists who continue to demand equality and freedom despite government crackdowns and cultural restrictions.
Fariba Nawa’s story is about Mahshid Nazemi, an Iranian human rights activist who is still active in fighting for women’s rights. Her story reflects a similar pattern in which activists like her face continuous intimidation by proxies who are against these views. In exile, Nazemi frequently encounters harassment and threats that aim at stifling her voice and defying her efforts.
Harrowing Encounter in Turkey
At the end of fall 2022, when she was living in Isparta, Turkey, Nazemi was pursued by suspicious cars. One day, when she was walking to get dinner, a dark-colored car was following her slowly. Its driver was a shaved man, scolded her with insults that were vulgar insults and threats, telling her:
“Shut your mouth or we’ll send you to Iran in a suitcase,”
Nazemi recounted the man saying:
“Your sister is on death row. You want to go to Iran in a suitcase?”
In a state of fear, Nazemi fled to seek assistance. The incident was the first of a string of terrifying incidents designed to scare her.
Deep Roots in Iranian Women’s Rights Struggle
Nazemi was born under severe female discrimination within Iran, in a country in which women’s rights have been severely limited. The Iranian system is called a system of gender discrimination and women are barred from performing in public, their legal testimony is valued at a fraction of men, and their inheritance rights are restricted.
In spite of these restrictions, many women defy the system by riding bicycles and demanding equal rights.
Nazemi has been through the rigours of prison and threats to kill, sexual harassment, as well as being deported to a camp. The 2022 Woman, Life, Freedom protests that were triggered by the death of Mahsa Jina Amini Nazemi spent time in Turkey campaigning for political prisoners and assisting other dissidents. Her responsibilities included the coordination of legal assistance and providing financial assistance for activists throughout Turkey.
Family Ties in the Activist Movement
She is the sister of Pouran Nazemi, who is a well-known human rights activist and was imprisoned numerous times in Iran. Even though they are physically separated, they maintain an enduring bond and work on the internet to push for changes in the regime and democratic reforms. Mahshid’s sacrifices to Pouran Nazemi have inspired her activism.
It is clear that the Iranian administration hasn’t just been adamant about repressing protesters in Iran but also seeks to repress opposition groups abroad.
Marcus Michaelsen from the University of Toronto’s Citizen Lab explained it as:
Iran continues to target women human rights defenders abroad, and among the typical and easy-to-use methods are digital threats, such as phishing and hacking attempts, smear and defamation campaigns, as well as threats against family members in Iran”
Detention and Abuse in Deportation Camp
Nazemi was a victim of these tactics in person and was a victim of assaults in Turkey. After she reported the incident, Turkish authorities initially denied them until CCTV evidence was discovered. In the next few days the incident, a Turkish immigration official claimed that she had falsified documents and placed her in the deportation centre.
In the deportation camp Nazemi was subjected to beatings and humiliation and the abuse of fellow prisoners. To prevent further abuse she was required to establish her biological sex. The abuse forced her to consume a huge amount of medicine in an effort to show the severity of her conditionwhich caused her to be hospitalized and later release.
Path to Safety and Continued Advocacy in France
After extensive coverage in the media of her experience, Nazemi secured a visa to France in the latter half of 2023. Resettling in the French community, Nazemi is continuing her work, and is currently helping Afghan refugees and collaborating with international human rights organizations to help those who are political dissidents.
Despite security improvements, Nazemi remains vigilant, still receiving death threats on the internet from regime loyalists who claim them “Soldiers of the Islamic Republic.” Nazemi is under the protection of the police and can report every threat she gets.
Ongoing Fight for Democratic Freedom
And while her sibling Pouran was removed of Evin prison and is awaiting the outcome of her trial, both women remain in opposition to the oppressive regime in Iran. The results of the Woman, Life, Freedom protests has led to some progress in society and more women are refusing to wear a head scarf and participating in public activities previously considered to be forbidden.
Nazemi expressed it as:
“The most important thing to come out of this movement was that it showed how influential women can be inside Iran, it became an example,” she said. “People learned the power of civil disobedience and it gave them confidence and courage.”
Nazemi is still dedicated to promoting broader democratic reform.
Read the full story here: “From Turkey to France” By Fariba Nawa
