What Is Behind the Feminist Revolution in Iran?

The death of 22 year old Kurdish Iranian woman Jina Mahsa Amini in September 2022 has sparked widespread protests in various parts of Iran. The central role assumed by Iranian women, many of whom younger in age than Jina, and the prioritization of gendered demands as reflected in the movement’s adoption of the feminist Kurdish slogan of ‘Jin, Jian, Azadi’ (‘woman, life, freedom’), has resulted in many dubbing the uprising as Iran’s feminist revolution. But what is driving this feminist revolution? What histories and legacies of activism and resistance have paved the way for it? And what may the future hold for Iranian women, ethnic groups, trans and queer folk?

In this edition of Let’s Ask, Donya Ahmadi will answer these and other questions from a socio-historical perspective.

Donya Ahmadi is an Iranian-Dutch intersectional feminist and Assistant Professor of International Relations at the University of Groningen. Her current research project concerns the (re)-gendering of contemporary Iranian historiography, through documenting and highlighting the crucial role played by women activists in the political developments of 20th and 21th century Iran.

Let's Ask
In Let's Ask, Groningen's finest researchers share their knowledge to provide context to that recurring 'thing' in the news and will answer your questions. In collaboration with Usva.