The Women Leading Iran’s Resistance: Defying the IRGC’s Oppression

Iranian women have long been at the forefront of resistance against oppression, but their struggle has intensified in recent years as they defy the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the regime’s repressive laws. From fighting mandatory hijab laws to leading protests in the streets, women in Iran are risking their lives to demand freedom, justice, and equality.

The Women, Life, Freedom movement, ignited by the murder of Mahsa Amini in 2022, has become one of the largest challenges to Iran’s authoritarian rule. Despite brutal crackdowns by the IRGC and security forces, Iranian women continue to resist through protests, civil disobedience, digital activism, and underground movements.

This report examines the bravery of Iranian women, the IRGC’s violent response, and what the global community must do to support them.

1. Women at the Forefront of Iran’s Resistance

A. The Fight Against Mandatory Hijab

The mandatory hijab has been a symbol of state control over women since the 1979 revolution. Iranian women have protested this restriction for decades, but the movement gained new momentum in recent years:

 • “White Wednesdays” and “My Stealthy Freedom” campaigns encouraged women to remove their hijabs in public.

 • Women filmed acts of civil disobedience, refusing to comply with dress codes.

 • After Mahsa Amini’s death, millions of women took to the streets, burning hijabs and cutting their hair in defiance.

B. Women Leading Street Protests

 • Women played a key role in the 2022-2023 protests, leading marches and chanting “Women, Life, Freedom.”

 • Students, mothers, teachers, and workers organized demonstrations in over 100 cities.

 • Teenage girls joined the movement, protesting in schools despite severe repression.

C. Digital Activism and Global Advocacy

Iranian women have used social media and digital platforms to amplify their voices:

 • Exiled journalists like Masih Alinejad have used their platforms to expose IRGC abuses and support resistance efforts.

 • Videos of police brutality and protest crackdowns have spread worldwide, countering the regime’s propaganda.

 • Iranian activists have called for global support and sanctions against the IRGC.

Women are not just protesting; they are leading a revolution against decades of oppression.

2. The IRGC’s Violent Crackdown on Women Protesters

The IRGC and Basij forces have responded to women-led protests with unprecedented brutality.

A. Arbitrary Arrests and Torture

 • Thousands of women, including students and journalists, have been arrested, beaten, and tortured.

 • Prisoners report sexual violence, solitary confinement, and psychological abuse in IRGC-controlled prisons like Evin and Qarchak.

 • Many activists face the death penalty or long prison sentences on fabricated charges like “spreading corruption on Earth.”

B. Targeting Young Girls and Students

 • Teenage girls have been targeted, with reports of school poisonings and forced disappearances.

 • Nika Shakarami (16) and Sarina Esmailzadeh (16) were killed by security forces, sparking global outrage.

C. Harassment and Surveillance

 • The IRGC uses facial recognition technology to track unveiled women.

 • Families of activists are threatened and blackmailed to silence them.

 • The morality police have resumed patrols, punishing women for defying dress codes.

The IRGC sees women’s resistance as a direct threat to its power, responding with violence and repression.

3. Iranian Women Who Have Become Symbols of Resistance

A. Narges Mohammadi – Human Rights Defender

 • A women’s rights activist sentenced to more than 30 years in prison for her advocacy.

 • Despite imprisonment, she continues to speak out against torture and repression.

B. Nasrin Sotoudeh – Human Rights Lawyer

 • Defended women arrested for removing hijabs, sentenced to 38 years in prison and 148 lashes.

 • Continues to fight for justice from behind bars.

C. Masih Alinejad – Exiled Journalist and Activist

• Founder of “My Stealthy Freedom,” a movement against the mandatory hijab.

 • Survived an IRGC-led assassination attempt in the U.S. in 2022.

 • Advocates for global action against the IRGC and supports Iranian protesters from exile.

These women, along with thousands of unnamed students, workers, mothers, and activists, represent the heart of Iran’s freedom movement.

4. The Global Response: How the World Can Support Iranian Women

A. Designate the IRGC as a Terrorist Organization

 • The EU, UK, and Canada must officially designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization.

 • Full designation would freeze IRGC assets and block its funding channels.

B. Strengthen Sanctions Against IRGC Leaders

 • Expand sanctions on Iranian officials responsible for human rights violations.

 • Close loopholes that allow the IRGC to access international banking systems.

C. Provide Digital Security for Iranian Activists

 • Fund secure internet access, VPNs, and encrypted messaging apps for Iranian activists.

 • Support satellite internet initiatives to bypass IRGC-controlled internet blackouts.

D. Protect Iranian Women Seeking Asylum

 • Offer special asylum protections for Iranian women fleeing persecution.

 • Support legal and humanitarian aid for exiled activists and dissidents.

E. Amplify Iranian Voices and Support Independent Media

 • Share stories of women-led resistance on social media and international platforms.

 • Support Persian-language independent media outlets reporting on human rights abuses.

The world cannot remain silent while Iranian women risk everything for freedom.

 Conclusion: Women Are Leading Iran’s Fight for Freedom

Iranian women are not just protesting; they are leading a revolution. Their fight against the IRGC and the regime’s oppression has inspired a global movement for justice and human rights.

Despite brutal crackdowns, arrests, and killings, women continue to march, speak out, and organize. The international community must act decisively, ensuring that the sacrifices of Iranian women are not in vain.