From Initial Protests to National Revolt: The Evolution of Iran’s Fight for Change and Women’s Rights
Abstract: This article examines the protests that began in Iran demanding an end to the mandatory hijab and later evolved into a national revolt, involving both urban middle classes and rural working areas. The protests expanded to address wider freedoms, women’s rights, and opposition to the theocratic regime. We will explore the reasons behind the widespread discontent, the government’s response, and the challenges faced in reporting these events due to Iranian restrictions on speech and media.
Introduction
The initial protests in Iran, primarily led by women, called for an end to the mandatory hijab. This issue soon became a catalyst for a larger movement, as the protests evolved into a national revolt involving various sectors of Iranian society. The demonstrations became more widespread than those of 2009, 2017, and 2019, encompassing even Islamic Republic power bases such as the holy cities of Mashhad and Qom. Unlike some previous protests, the new protests involved both urban middle classes and rural working areas. In addition, schoolgirls demonstrated in numbers for the first time. While continuing to protest Amini’s death and demanding an end to the mandatory hijab, Iranians also advocated for wider freedoms and women’s rights, and protested against the morality police, the Ayatollah, and the theocratic regime.
The Evolution of Protests
These protests marked a significant shift in Iranian society, as protesters began to demand a wholesale change in government rather than limiting themselves to incremental reforms. In a November 2022 Group for Analyzing and Measuring Attitudes in Iran (GAMAAN) poll, almost three-quarters of Iranians opposed mandatory hijab; of these anti-hijabis, 84% would prefer a secular Iranian state to theocracy, which GAMAAN characterized as an endorsement of regime change. According to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, economic hardship and poor living conditions contributed to the growth of the protests. The New York Times itemized Iranian grievances such as “soaring prices, high unemployment, corruption, (and) political repression”, and identified the poor Iranian economy as a major force behind the protests; according to an Iranian report in August 2021, a third of Iranians live in poverty. Abdolreza Davari, a conservative analyst, has quoted a statistic that 95 percent of Iranians are “worried about their livelihoods today and for their and their children’s future.” Only 15% of Iranians in the job market are women. Iran ranked 143rd out of 146 countries in the 2022 WEF Gender Gap Report, due in part to prohibitions on female membership in powerful government organizations.
Government Response and Counter-Protests
In response to the protests, people held demonstrations in support of the government across several cities in Iran, in an attempt to counter the protests. The Iranian government referred to these counter-protests as “spontaneous”. The pro-government protesters called for the anti-government protesters to be executed, and referred to them as “Israel’s soldiers” whilst shouting “Death to America” and “Death to Israel”, reflecting Iran’s clerical rulers’ usual narrative of putting the blame of the unrest on foreign countries.
Challenges in Media Coverage
Media coverage was constrained by Iranian restrictions on speech, including Internet shutdowns and arrests of journalists. NBC News retained a correspondent in Tehran. Most Western outlets obtained information from networks of contacts, human rights groups, and social media content. According to BBC News, an Iranian government disinformation campaign produced social media videos and fake interviews, and attempted to trick Western media into reporting falsehoods: “They can then say foreign media is reporting fake news”.
The Role of Women in the Protests
Women played a central role in the protests, initially focusing on the mandatory hijab as a symbol of their struggle for greater freedom and autonomy. As the movement evolved, women continued to be at the forefront, pushing for a broader range of rights and advocating for systemic change. Schoolgirls also participated in demonstrations for the first time, highlighting a growing discontent among younger generations.
The mandatory hijab became an emblematic issue, representing a larger struggle for women’s rights and gender equality in Iran. The protests provided a platform for Iranian women to make their voices heard and challenge traditional norms and restrictions imposed by the theocratic regime.
International Reactions
International reactions to the protests varied, with some countries expressing concern for the human rights abuses in Iran and others calling for restraint and dialogue. The United Nations, European Union, and various human rights organizations expressed concern about the government’s crackdown on protesters, calling for an end to violence and for the protection of the demonstrators’ rights to free speech and assembly.
On the other hand, countries such as Russia and China, which have closer ties to the Iranian regime, urged restraint and called for non-interference in Iran’s internal affairs. The international community, overall, remained divided on how to respond to the situation.
The Impact of Economic Hardship
The protests were not solely driven by the issue of the mandatory hijab and women’s rights; the poor state of the Iranian economy and widespread economic hardship also played a crucial role in fuelling discontent. High unemployment, soaring prices, corruption, and political repression have left many Iranians frustrated and disenchanted with the current regime.
The economic grievances, coupled with the demands for greater freedom and gender equality, created a potent mix that led to a more significant and sustained protest movement than those seen in previous years.
The Future of the Protests and Potential Outcomes
According to France 24, protests “had dwindled” across most of the country by March 2023. However, the underlying issues that sparked the protests remain largely unresolved. The demands for change in government, an end to mandatory hijab, and broader women’s rights continue to resonate with a significant portion of the Iranian population.
It is unclear whether the protest movement will regain momentum or whether the Iranian regime will address the concerns of the protesters. The situation remains fluid, and the future of the movement will depend on various factors, including the government’s response, the persistence of protesters, and the potential for international support or intervention.
Conclusion
The protests in Iran, initially focused on the mandatory hijab, evolved into a broader movement for change, encompassing issues of economic hardship, political repression, and women’s rights. While the protests have dwindled in recent months, the underlying issues and demands for change persist. The future of the movement remains uncertain, as the Iranian government and protesters continue to navigate a complex and evolving political landscape.
