Fatemeh Sadeghi, a women’s rights activist, says misogyny is evident throughout the system.
Fatemeh Sadeghi, a political researcher and women’s rights activist, stated in an interview with the Etemad newspaper.
One of the main reasons for the outbreak of protests should be seen in the compulsory hijab and consequently the presence of the morality police on the streets. In my opinion, the mere presence of the morality police on the streets is a form of humiliation and insult. Naturally, the fact that the morality police cause Mahsa Amini or girls like her to face beatings, insults, and unfortunately death, wounds society and public opinion, especially at a time when this society is facing various social and economic problems and crises.
As we know, compulsory hijab has been one of the most important issues for women in Iran after the revolution. We have witnessed numerous protests regarding this matter. In my view, one of the turning points occurred in 2017 with the case of the Girls of Revolution Street, which was a very civil and peaceful movement, but it was severely suppressed.
What we are witnessing is that every day, through various plans, women are humiliated and attempts are made to reduce their social presence and push them towards home and traditional roles, such as the population growth plan. In the employment sector, we are also facing widespread discrimination. The unemployment rate for women in Iran and job instability for women is very high. According to official statistics, only about 12% of women who graduate from university find employment opportunities.
Although it is constantly repeated from official platforms that women have dignity, in practice, this is not the case at all. I think this type of misogyny is evident throughout the system and has become part of the regime. Naturally, compulsory hijab and the presence of the morality police make the situation increasingly unbearable for women every day.