Iran's feminist struggle on 8M: "When the revolution triumphs, the rest of the countries and women will want to join in"

International Women's Day is a day to vindicate the rights of all women in the world, as well as to remember all those who have achieved important advances that we can enjoy today. Given the current international scene, this 8th March the struggle of Iranian women - as well as that of Afghan and other women under misogynist regimes - takes on a special significance. 

Today, we cannot talk about feminism without mentioning the tireless and historic struggle of Iranian girls and women. The slogan "Jin, jiyan, azadî" (woman, life, freedom in Kurdish) has reached all corners of the world, while the bravery and courage of Iranian women inspires thousands of women. Despite arrests, torture, rape and even executions, Iranian women - flanked by a large number of men - continue to take to the streets to demand equality and freedom.

The murder of young Kurdish woman Mahsa Amini last September at the hands of the dreaded Morality Police for wearing her veil incorrectly highlighted the harsh oppression of women under the Islamic Republic of Iran. Early images of the protests showed women burning their hijabs, expressing their rejection of the strict laws imposed by the Ayatollahs' regime. Over time, however, the demonstrations began to take on a new dimension that encompasses several areas: social, economic and political. What is happening is no longer just about the hijab, Iranians are demanding a total change that will bring democracy and freedom. 

The historic revolution in Iran also shows us that women's struggle can be supported by men. Since the beginning of the demonstrations, Iranian men have taken to the streets alongside women, defending them and chanting their slogans. In fact, Iranians Mohsen Shekari, Majid Reza Rahnavard, Mohammad Mehdi Karami and Mohammad Hosseini have been the four people officially executed since the start of the women-led protests. 

In addition to these four men, an estimated 500 people - including minors - have been killed by security forces since September, according to Iran Human Rights. The NGO also warns that at least 100 protesters are at risk of execution. However, the actual number could be much higher as most families are pressured by the authorities to remain silent. 

Despite the pressures and threats, the revolution continues, both inside and outside Iran. As a result, the regime has had to resort to new and brutal methods to try to subdue the population. The latest atrocity carried out by the Iranian theocracy, the latest crime committed against its own citizens has been the gassing of the most vulnerable people, the girl child. Since November, more than 1,000 school-age children have shown symptoms of poisoning in 15 cities across the country. 

Supporting Iranian women on World Women's Day is essential. Daniel Bashandeh, an Iranian analyst in Spain, attended the demonstration in Madrid, where he recalled that this is "the first feminist revolution in an Islamic context". "Women have taken to the streets to demand their rights and confront tyranny. It is a clear message to the political Islam that is now ruling the lives of thousands of women", he explains. 

Arezoo Mojaverian, one of the organisers of the Iranian protests in Madrid, remarked that "nobody can tell us how we have to dress, how we have to live and how we have to be". The fact that hundreds of women took off their veils in public meant "taking off the flag of the Islamic Republic". "That's why this gesture hurt them so much," she explains. 

Mojaverian wishes for a country "full of peace, full of joy, where there is justice and where religion is separated from politics".  She calls on international governments to "be on the right side of history". "If they do not support this revolution because politics does not allow them to do so, they should not collaborate, they should not give their hand to a totalitarian, terrorist, mafia-like and dangerous state", she said. 

Since last September, Iranian citizens have been setting an example to the whole world in terms of human rights. Iranians in the diaspora have organised and united to give a voice to their compatriots and call on Western governments to take action against the regime in Tehran.

However, many Iranians in the West are disappointed with Western leaders, as is the case with Maryam Esmaeilpour, who says they have been calling on governments to help the protesters for six months. Esmaeilpour, a Spanish teacher, acknowledges that taking measures such as the expulsion of the Iranian diplomatic corps is not easy, one of the main demands. However, she stresses that "if they want to, they can do it". "This gives us to understand that there are interests at stake, and that is indeed what disappoints us", she laments. 

Another of the Iranians' demands of the West is to designate the Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist group, a step that many governments are reluctant to take. "It would be a great first step, but it is complicated and there is no interest on the part of all European countries," she says. 

In addition, Esmaeilpour highlights the case of Spain, which has mentioned all those journalists who have travelled to Iran "with a script established by the Iranian embassy". "They are propagandising for the Ayatollahs' regime and this is doing a lot of damage to our revolution", she points out. With respect to citizens, the professor asks them to compare information, to investigate and to attend the demonstrations frequently organised by Iranians.

Elika Jouibari, a young Iranian activist, agrees, stressing that it doesn't matter whether you are Iranian or not. "You have to support us, yes or no," she says. Shaparak agrees. "It is very important to have the support of all citizens. In Iran they are already doing everything they can," she says.

The world is watching Iran's steadfastness and courage, and especially those women under equally oppressive regimes. "The moment the revolution triumphs, other countries and women will see that it is possible and will want to join in," says Shaparak. 

The Iranian also recalls that at her side "there are feminist men who support women and even give their lives". "They are showing us that we are not alone and that we can do this", she concludes.

Men like Kayvan, who did not hesitate to attend the demonstration organised by the Iranians in Madrid. "We are here to give a voice to the revolution, a revolution led by women," he says. That there are men supporting women is unusual in the rest of the countries in the region. Afghan activists, for example, acknowledge that men are afraid of the Taliban and do not support women, unlike in neighbouring Afghanistan. 

"Everyone, after 43 years under the Islamic Republic, knows very well that if there are no equal rights for women, we have nothing," Kayvan explains. "Iranian men have realised that without human rights, without equal rights for all, we are not really free," he says.