Global Feminism and Iran: Why International Support Matters Now

In the heart of Iran, a powerful feminist revolution is underway. Sparked by the tragic death of Mahsa Amini in 2022, the “Women, Life, Freedom” movement has become a rallying cry not only for Iranian women, but for advocates of human rights and gender equality across the world. Yet while Iranian women lead this historic resistance, their struggle is not happening in isolation. In the face of state violence, institutionalized gender oppression, and brutal crackdowns by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the need for international feminist solidarity has never been more urgent.

Global feminism, a movement rooted in the belief that gender justice transcends borders, offers a framework for collective action. From protests in European capitals to solidarity campaigns on social media, feminists around the world have shown that what happens in Iran is deeply connected to the universal fight for freedom, dignity, and justice.

This article explores:

 • The feminist struggle in Iran

 • The role of state repression and the IRGC

 • Why global solidarity is essential

 • What international feminists, governments, and citizens can do to support Iranian women—now

1. The Feminist Movement in Iran: Rooted in Resistance

A. A Legacy of Defiance

Iranian women have a long history of organizing and resisting oppression:

 • In the early 20th century, women fought for education and voting rights.

 • Under the Shah’s regime, they pushed for legal reforms and greater participation in society.

 • After the 1979 revolution, they were subjected to mandatory hijab laws, gender segregation, and the loss of basic rights.

Rather than retreating, Iranian women became leaders in civil society, forming underground movements, publishing feminist literature, and becoming a driving force behind every major protest movement, including the 2009 Green Movement, 2017-18 economic protests, and most recently, the 2022 uprising.

B. Women, Life, Freedom: A Revolutionary Feminist Vision

The slogan “Women, Life, Freedom” originates from Kurdish feminist movements and has become the core of Iran’s current resistance. It encapsulates:

 • The struggle for bodily autonomy (rejecting compulsory hijab laws)

 • The demand for freedom of expression, education, and choice

 • The vision of a just, pluralistic society, where women are not just free—but leaders

This is not simply a “women’s issue”—it’s a fight for the future of Iran, with feminist values at its heart.

2. State Repression and the IRGC: The War on Women

A. The Role of the IRGC

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) plays a central role in enforcing the regime’s ideology and repressing dissent. For women, this includes:

 • Surveillance and harassment by morality police

 • Arrests for removing the hijab or participating in protests

 • Torture, sexual assault, and forced confessions in prisons like Evin and Qarchak

 • Online repression, including doxxing, digital surveillance, and cyber harassment

The IRGC sees feminist resistance as an existential threat—and targets women accordingly.

B. Silencing Voices

Women journalists, artists, lawyers, and students are systematically silenced. Notable examples include:

 • Narges Mohammadi, imprisoned Nobel Peace Prize laureate

 • Nasrin Sotoudeh, human rights lawyer sentenced to decades in prison

 • Sepideh Gholian, labor rights activist repeatedly arrested and tortured

Despite this, these women remain defiant, using every platform available to speak truth to power.

3. Global Feminism: A Force for Solidarity and Action

A. What Is Global Feminism?

Global feminism is based on the belief that:

 • Gender justice is a human right

 • Patriarchal oppression is systemic and interconnected

 • Women’s struggles across borders are linked

It calls for transnational solidarity, where feminists support one another in shared struggles, while respecting cultural context and local leadership.

B. Why Iran’s Feminist Struggle Matters Globally

 1. Human rights are universal.

When women are tortured or killed for what they wear or say, it’s a violation of global human dignity.

 2. Authoritarianism feeds on silence.

The Iranian regime—and others like it—rely on isolation. International attention disrupts impunity.

 3. Iran’s movement is inspiring feminists worldwide.

The bravery of Iranian women has galvanized movements from Afghanistan to Argentina, reminding the world that resistance is possible—even in the darkest moments.

4. What the International Community Can Do

A. For Feminist Movements

 • Amplify Iranian voices.

Share their stories, art, and journalism. Center Iranian women in feminist conferences, panels, and media.

 • Protest in solidarity.

Join or organize global demonstrations supporting Iranian women’s rights.

 • Educate and inform.

Raise awareness in your communities about the situation in Iran, the role of the IRGC, and the women-led movement.

B. For Governments and Institutions

 • Sanction the IRGC.

Follow the U.S. in designating the IRGC a terrorist organization for its human rights abuses.

 • Protect asylum seekers.

Fast-track visas and provide safe refuge for Iranian activists at risk.

 • Support internet freedom.

Fund and provide secure digital tools to help Iranians evade censorship and communicate safely.

 • Pressure international bodies.

Urge the UN and international courts to investigate and condemn gender-based crimes by the Iranian regime.

5. Stories of Feminist Courage: Iran’s Women on the Frontlines

Narges Mohammadi

 • Advocate against solitary confinement and torture

 • Despite illness and imprisonment, continues writing from prison

 • Won the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize, bringing global attention to Iran’s feminist struggle

Masih Alinejad

 • Exiled journalist and founder of #MyStealthyFreedom

 • Target of an IRGC kidnapping plot

 • Continues to mobilize millions via social media

Shiva Nazar Ahari

 • Journalist and women’s rights defender

 • Arrested multiple times for exposing abuses and organizing protests

 • Symbol of women’s leadership in Iranian civil society

These women represent millions more, many unnamed, who are leading, resisting, and dreaming of a freer future.

6. The Risks of Silence: What’s at Stake

If the international feminist movement does not act, we risk:

 • Allowing authoritarian regimes to define the limits of women’s freedom

 • Abandoning those most in need of support

 • Losing the momentum of one of the most powerful women-led movements in recent history

But by standing in solidarity, we can:

 • Protect Iranian lives

 • Shift policy

 • Build a stronger, united global feminist front

 Conclusion: Freedom Must Be Feminist

The fight in Iran is not only a battle for national change—it is part of a global struggle against patriarchy, authoritarianism, and injustice. Iranian women have shown the world what bravery looks like. Now the world must show them what solidarity looks like.