A new podcast in Iran helps women share stories of domestic violence and raises awareness about the lack of support systems in place for Iranian victims. The podcast is run by an Iranian woman who was herself a victim of domestic violence. In Iran, domestic violence is seen as a private issue, and victims are […]
Woman Barred from Iranian Soccer Stadium Dies after Setting Herself on Fire, Incident Sparks International Outrage
A woman in Iran who was sentenced to six months in prison for disguising herself as a man to enter a soccer stadium, where women are barred, died this week from severe burns after setting herself on fire outside of the courthouse. The 29 year old, Sahar Kohdayari, attempted to enter Azadi Stadium, but was […]
Prominent Human Rights Lawyer Faces 34 Years in Jail in Iran
After two trials, Nasrin Sotoudeh, a human and women rights lawyer in Iran, faces 34 years in prison as well as 148 lashes after defending women who protested wearing hijabs in public. Multiple organizations, including Amnesty International, are now calling on the Head of the Judiciary, Ebrahim Raisi, and the Mission of Iran to the UN […]
Iran Sees Protests Against Corruption and Struggling Economy
Anti-government protests that erupted in Iran at the end of December have lead to the arrests of an estimated 3,700 people and the deaths of at least 21.
Child Bride Faces Execution in Iran for Allegedly Killing Abusive Husband
Zeinab Sekaanvand, an Iranian-Kurdish woman charged with killing her husband, is incarcerated in Iran and awaiting her execution by hanging.
Iranian Women’s Rights Activist Sentenced
Iranian women’s rights activist Narges Mohammadi’s controversial 16 year prison sentence handed down last May was upheld this past week on appeal.
Afghan Rap Singer, Warrior Against Child Marriage, Awarded
Nineteen year old Afghan rap singer, Sonita Alizadeh, known for protesting child marriage through her songs, was recently depicted in a documentary entitled Sonita, which just won the 2016 World Cinema Documentary Audience Award.
Iran Appoints First Woman as Ambassador Since Islamic Revolution
The Iranian government has appointed its first woman ambassador since the Islamic revolution in 1979. Marzieh Afkham is appointed to serve her country in Malaysia.
Iranian Women Can Now Attend Major Sporting Events
Although the new policy still holds barriers for women attending specific sports—those considered to be more “masculine” such as wrestling or swimming—this announcement reverses an antiquated rule that forbid women to watch matches attended by men.
Iranian Activist Wins International Human Rights Award for Hijab Campaign
Journalist Masih Alinejad was awarded the Women’s Rights Award at the Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy last week for her activism supporting Iranian women who choose not to cover their heads in a hijab.
Two Imprisoned Women’s Rights Activists in the Middle East Have Been Freed
Both women were arrested in October and served around 90 days in prison for non-violent crimes.
Thousands of Women in Iran Protest Acid Attacks in Wake of Religious Law
On Wednesday, thousands of Iranians in the historic city of Isfahan gathered to protest recent acid attacks on women. The attacks have been happening around the same time as the passage of a new law that protects anyone who “corrects” others who are acting in an “un-Islamic” way.
Iranian Human Rights Lawyer Receives 11 Year Sentence
Nasrin Sotoudeh, an Iranian Human Rights lawyer, received an 11 year prison sentence. Sotoudeh was arrested in September and went to trial on November 15 for allegedly acting against state security, assembling, and collusion with intent to disrupt national security. She was also charged for working with the Center for Human Rights Defenders, which was […]
