Statement in Support of Iranian Women

The Department of Psychology’s EDI Committee stands in solidarity with the people of Iran who are fighting against an oppressive regime that is currently jailing and killing people for protesting human rights violations, including a woman’s right to freely choose their clothing. Protests began following the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22 year old woman who was arrested by the morality police due to "improper hejab." She died soon after while in custody. Protests have erupted across Iran's cities since then, challenging the government's misogynistic policies and authoritarian leadership. Brave and courageous women of Iran have stood up and led the movement without fear of imprisonment or death, chanting the slogan "Woman, Life, Freedom" or "Zan, Zendegi, Azadi". The government has responded with violence, internet blackouts, restricted tele-communications, and mass arrests of journalists, activists, and artists who are supporting women in their fight for fundamental human rights. With this statement, we hope to raise awareness about what is happening in Iran and show solidarity with Iranian women. This is not an anti-religious movement: it is about bodily autonomy, freedom, equality, and allowing women to make their own choices, free from government oppression.

Ways to Show Your Support

You can use the following resources and sign these petitions:

• UN Women statement on women’s rights in Iran
• New York Times: Women take center stage in antigovernment protests shaking Iran
• The Atlantic: For Iran’s protesters, the fight for women’s freedom of choice is now synonymous with a desire to end the rule of the ayatollahs
• Amnesty International petition for ending the protest bloodshed in Iran
• Petition to stop use of children by armed forces in Iran

Please also see the University of Calgary Graduate Students’ Association statement on this issue for additional information and resources for students.