Women, Life, Freedom: How This Slogan Became a Global Movement

The slogan “Women, Life, Freedom” (زن، زندگی، آزادی) has become the defining chant of Iran’s resistance movement, symbolizing the fight against oppression, gender apartheid, and dictatorship. Emerging from the tragic death of Mahsa Amini in 2022, it rapidly evolved into a global rallying cry for women’s rights, democracy, and freedom.

What started as an Iranian movement against the compulsory hijab and state repression has transcended borders, resonating with women’s struggles worldwide. From Kurdish feminism to global protests, this phrase embodies universal demands for dignity, equality, and human rights.

This analysis explores:

 1. The origins of “Women, Life, Freedom” in Kurdish resistance.

 2. How the Iranian women’s movement transformed it into a global slogan.

 3. The IRGC’s crackdown and attempts to suppress the movement.

 4. The global impact and why the world must continue supporting it.

1. The Kurdish Roots of “Women, Life, Freedom”

The phrase “Women, Life, Freedom” has Kurdish origins (Jin, Jiyan, Azadi) and has long been a feminist slogan in Kurdish liberation movements:

 • Coined in Kurdish resistance struggles, it symbolized the fight against patriarchy and state oppression.

 • Kurdish women, especially in Rojava (Syria), embraced it as a call for gender equality and political autonomy.

 • The feminist ideology of Kurdish movements, particularly within PKK-affiliated groups, highlighted women’s leadership in revolutions.

When Mahsa Amini, a Kurdish-Iranian woman, was killed by Iran’s morality police, the slogan reignited as a national and international cry for justice.

2. From Iran’s Streets to a Global Movement

A. The Spark: Mahsa Amini’s Death and the Uprising

On September 16, 2022, 22-year-old Mahsa Amini was arrested by Iran’s morality police for allegedly not wearing her hijab properly. Days later, she died in custody, sparking nationwide protests.

Women burned their hijabs, cut their hair, and took to the streets chanting “Women, Life, Freedom.”

This slogan became:

 • A rejection of Iran’s gender apartheid laws.

 • A call for justice not just for women, but for all oppressed groups.

 • A symbol of defiance against the IRGC and authoritarian rule.

The movement rapidly spread beyond Iran, becoming a global feminist and human rights movement.

B. Why This Slogan Resonated Worldwide

“Women, Life, Freedom” gained international traction because it:

 • Connected to universal struggles for women’s rights.

 • Represented resistance against dictatorship and oppression.

 • Was easily understood across different languages and cultures.

From Paris to New York, Berlin to Tokyo, protests erupted, showing global solidarity with Iranian women.

3. The IRGC’s Crackdown: Suppressing the Slogan, Fueling the Resistance

A. Brutal Suppression of Protesters

The IRGC and Basij forces responded with:

 • Mass arrests of women activists, students, and journalists.

 • Torture and rape as methods of intimidation.

 • Public executions of young protesters to instill fear.

Despite this, Iranian women refused to back down.

B. Silencing Voices Through Censorship

 • Internet blackouts and social media bans attempted to suppress information.

 • State propaganda framed the protests as Western conspiracies.

 • Journalists and activists were jailed, including Niloofar Hamedi and Elaheh Mohammadi, who first reported Mahsa Amini’s death.

However, the slogan “Women, Life, Freedom” continued to be chanted worldwide.

4. The Global Impact of “Women, Life, Freedom”

A. International Protests and Political Reactions

 • Millions protested worldwide, chanting the slogan in solidarity.

 • Governments imposed sanctions on the IRGC and Iranian officials.

 • The UN and human rights organizations condemned Iran’s gender apartheid policies.

B. Inspiring Feminist Movements Worldwide

 • Afghan women adopted the slogan against Taliban oppression.

 • Women in the Middle East saw Iran’s movement as a beacon of hope .

• Western feminist groups connected it to #MeToo and reproductive rights activism.

The slogan transformed into a global symbol of resistance against patriarchy and dictatorship.

5. The Road Ahead: Why Global Support Must Continue

A. The Iranian Women’s Movement is Ongoing

 • Despite repression, women still defy hijab laws in Iran.

 • Activists in exile continue to expose the regime’s abuses.

 • Digital activism remains strong, spreading the message globally.

B. What the World Can Do

 1. Sanction the IRGC for gender oppression.

 2. Amplify Iranian women’s voices through media and advocacy.

 3. Support digital tools to help Iranians bypass censorship.

 4. Offer asylum and protection to Iranian activists in danger.

Conclusion: “Women, Life, Freedom” is Here to Stay

The “Women, Life, Freedom” movement is more than a slogan—it’s a global call for justice, dignity, and equality. What began as an Iranian protest is now a worldwide struggle against oppression.