Iranian Atena Daemi: ‘Jin jiyan azadî’ summarises the aspirations of the peoples!

 

Melek Avcı

 

ANKARA - Describing the oppression and violence faced by women in Iran, activist Atena Daemi said that the ‘Jin jiyan azadî’ rebellion spread across the country with the assassination of Jîna Emînî and added: ‘This powerful expression summarises the basic aspirations of all the peoples of Iran.’

 

 

Against the man who took away the wisdom and autonomy from the goddess ages ago, women today struggle to carry the torch of that autonomy again. Women, who are in a constant struggle against all forms of violence stemming from the male-dominated mentality, are overcoming the walls lined up in front of them one by one. Today, ‘Jin jiyan azadî’, which is heard from completely different countries, echoes on the walls of the castle that they call unshakable, displacing the stones with the voice of each woman. Atena Daemi, a human rights activist from Iran, where this slogan shook the fortress walls, talked about women's struggle against forms of violence.

 

7 years in prison

 

Firstly, Atena Daemi described her own struggle:"‘I was arrested by the Revolutionary Guards in 2014 for opposing the death penalty and defending the rights of women and children. I spent six and a half years in three prisons until I was released in 2022. After my release, I learnt that I had contracted multiple sclerosis (MS) while in prison, a disease that had progressed due to lack of medical care. Seven months after my release, the ‘Women, Life, Freedom’ movement flared up in Iran after Jina Mahsa Amini was tragically murdered by the government for violating the mandatory hijab laws. Once again I faced persecution for participating in activism and was forced to hide in Iran for eight months. When my medical treatment was stopped and my condition deteriorated, I had no choice but to leave the country. After 6 months in Iraqi Kurdistan, I have been in Canada for a year," she told JINNEWS.

 

 

* What are the forms of violence you face in your country and which forms of violence do you face the most as women?

 

In my country, women face numerous forms of violence rooted in both religious authoritarianism and entrenched patriarchy. Iranian law and cultural norms often regard women as “half a person,” resulting in systematic discrimination not only in families and society but also through the legal and governmental frameworks.

 

Since my teenage years, I have witnessed these restrictions firsthand, from the limitations placed on women by male-dominated family beliefs to laws designed to strip women of their autonomy. For instance, the morality police enforce oppressive regulations like mandatory hijab and other anti-women laws aimed at controlling women’s choices and freedoms.

 

A few specific examples of these discriminatory laws include child marriage, which remains uncriminalized in Iran. Young girls are frequently forced into marriage by their families, and there is no legal barrier to prevent such unions. Over time, many of these young girls face significant challenges. During my imprisonment in Iran, I encountered numerous women who had been forced into child marriages. After years of domestic abuse without access to legal, familial, or social support, some resorted to committing serious crimes, such as killing their husbands, which often led to their facing the death penalty.

 

 

Deprivation of the Right to Divorce in Iran: For many years, women in Iran have been denied the right to initiate divorce. While activism and advocacy led to the eventual passage of a law allowing limited access to divorce for women, the law still fails to fully protect women’s rights. In practical terms, women can only pursue a divorce if explicitly granted this right by their husbands. Even in cases where this right is given, women must present legally valid reasons to justify the divorce.

 

Restrictions on Abortion: Iranian women also face strict limitations on the right to abortion. Even in cases of non-viable or severely compromised pregnancies, abortion remains illegal. Since 2022, prenatal screening tests that determine the health and condition of the fetus have been prohibited, and medical professionals are barred from issuing abortion permits, even for critical medical reasons. Diagnostic laboratories are monitored by government authorities to oversee pregnancies, forcing many women to seek unsafe, unregulated abortion options. Consequently, this has led to a rise in health risks for women and an increase in births of children with congenital and genetic issues, as preventive measures remain inaccessible.

 

 

Limitations on Political, Economic, and Social Participation: In Iran, women's roles are largely defined within the framework of being wives, mothers, and homemakers, restricting them from participating fully in political, economic, and social activities. Opportunities for involvement in these spheres are often either limited or entirely unavailable to women.

 

Lack of Legal Support for Women Facing Domestic and Sexual Violence: Many women in Iran endure domestic and sexual violence, yet the infrastructure to support them is severely lacking. Unlike other countries with government-supported centers for victims of domestic and sexual violence, Iran only has a handful of non-governmental support centers. These few centers assist women who are victims of violence or who have no family support; however, numerous centers have faced government restrictions, and several have been forced to close. Moreover, women who seek legal recourse for such violence rarely receive support. Many cases involve women who have been killed by husbands, fathers, or brothers, with perpetrators often receiving legal leniency.

 

 

Unequal Pay and Benefits: Due to inflation and rising living costs in Iran, wages are generally insufficient for all workers; however, the impact on women is even more pronounced. Women are often seen as low-cost labor, earning significantly less than men for the same roles. Many also lack access to social services and health insurance, further limiting their economic security.

 

Restrictions on Women's Activities: In Iran, women face numerous restrictions on personal and social freedoms. They are prohibited from riding motorcycles or bicycles, singing in public, traveling without a husband or father's permission, and participating in certain academic fields and sports. These limitations prevent women from accessing the same opportunities as men and reinforce traditional, restrictive roles for women in society.

 

* How do you combat these forms of violence in your country, what are your methods?

 

In Iran, women activists focused on women’s rights and human rights have made strides in increasing societal awareness. They regularly use various occasions throughout the year to educate the public on women’s issues. This heightened awareness has empowered women to stand more firmly against restrictive laws and societal norms, fostering a greater movement for women’s rights than in previous years. This surge in activism became especially evident in the widespread national and international movement that arose after the death of Jina (Mahsa) Amini.

 

* When we look at the time that has passed since 25 November 1960, has there been any change and prevention in the forms of violence against women? Or do you think that violence has deepened and increased?

 

 

Before electronic devices and mass communication became widely accessible, women activists in Iran organized annual seminars and meetings to raise public awareness about women’s issues. They established non-governmental organizations and centers to support women experiencing violence, and engaged in a range of advocacy efforts, including lobbying the government and parliament and holding demonstrations for legal reform.

 

In recent years, these traditional methods have been complemented by new tools, such as online meetings, virtual educational sessions, and social media campaigns. Civil disobedience has also emerged as a prominent form of protest among women. Many women now appear in public spaces without the mandatory hijab, risking significant consequences, as part of their ongoing struggle for autonomy over their personal choices and attire.

 

 

* As you know, after the murder of Jîna Emînî in Iran, the world heard the slogan ‘jin jiyan azadî’. It spread all over the world, from Iran to Turkey to India. What do you think was the magic of this slogan?

 

 

The "Woman, Life, Freedom" movement in Iran was ignited by the tragic death of Jina Amini, who lost her life due to mandatory hijab enforcement. Kurdish women first chanted this slogan at her funeral, and it rapidly resonated throughout the country. The widespread embrace of this slogan highlights the oppression that Iranian women have endured for decades under both state policies and a patriarchal culture.

 

This powerful phrase-"Woman, Life, Freedom"-encapsulates the fundamental aspirations of all Iranians. It clearly expresses the demand for equality, justice, and dignity that has fueled activism in Iran for years. This long-standing struggle has come at a high cost, with countless activists losing their lives, facing execution, or enduring long prison sentences for opposing the regime. Despite these obstacles, this fight remains active, seen daily within communities and homes, as people rally for women's rights, the right to live with equality, and freedom for all, regardless of belief or background. Women, historically sidelined from public and political roles, have emerged as leaders in this movement. The slogan itself reinforces this, symbolizing the vital role of women in building a just and liberated society.

 

 

* Why do you think women's organised struggle is important? Is it possible to make the 21st century the century of women?

 

 

Longtime women's rights activists in Iran were well-versed in the philosophy and historical significance behind the "Woman, Life, Freedom" slogan. However, the wider population, who took up the chant across the country, generally lacked this background knowledge and viewed the slogan not as specific to a single region but as a unifying call for justice and equality throughout Iran.

 

I strongly believe in the importance of women’s solidarity, as I’m convinced we hold the power to lead society toward equality and eliminate all forms of discrimination. Throughout history, countless women have successfully changed not only their own lives but also those of their peers and society as a whole. Gains such as women’s suffrage, equal rights, and many other accomplishments have been achieved through unity. Today, I believe we must continue this solidarity to advocate for women’s rights and equality.