The lost freedom

Social IssuesWomen's Issues

  • Author Bahar Lak
  • Published February 28, 2024
  • Word count 726

Consider yourself as a young woman preparing for university. Your thoughts naturally revolve around the course of your day and your academic pursuits. However, residing in Iran presents a starkly different reality. Your foremost concern becomes the appropriate attire and the manner in which you must cover your hair and body to gain permission to enter the university.

Although the aftermath of Mahsa Amini's tragic demise has brought about some changes, there exist numerous unaddressed issues within our society, particularly in the media.

First and foremost, it is imperative to acknowledge that within every Iranian household with a daughter, a moral police exists. This figure, whether it be the girl's father or older brother, enforces regulations that transcend religious boundaries. In this discourse, I aim to shed light on the various constraints faced by Iranian girls and women.

In the majority of Iranian families, the patriarch holds absolute power and expects unwavering obedience from all members, even when he is in the wrong. The initial decree dictates that as a girl, you are prohibited from wearing attire of your choosing within the confines of your own home, as it may provoke inappropriate thoughts in your father or brothers. Consequently, it is deemed preferable to completely conceal your body, even during the sweltering summer months.

Expressing laughter with exuberance, whether at home or in public, is likewise forbidden, as the sound of your mirth may arouse the interest of other men.

Speaking in a loud manner while traversing the streets is also proscribed, as your voice may elicit similar reactions. Hence, it is advisable to communicate in hushed tones.

Needless to say, the obligation to cover your hair and adhere to specific dress codes remains paramount, as it may incite unwanted attention. The incident involving Mahsa Amini and countless other unnamed girls serves as a poignant reminder of this reality.

Should you find yourself in a marriage that proves untenable, you are bereft of the right to seek a divorce. You are compelled to accept your circumstances.

Within the framework of Islam, if one individual takes the life of another, the perpetrator is required to provide monetary compensation to the victim's family. However, if the victim is a woman, the compensation is reduced by half.

In the event that you require a loan from a bank or necessitate a witness in court, the presence of a woman as your witness mandates the accompaniment of two additional women. This practice stems from the belief that the intellectual capacity of two women is equivalent to that of a single man.

Every day, as you venture outside your home, you encounter women stationed at street corners, situated within a van. Their purpose is to remind you to wear your headscarf and cover your hair. Refusal to comply results in forceful apprehension, with the consequences of such actions remaining uncertain.

Failure to wear a headscarf while driving leads to the government confiscating your vehicle, necessitating a substantial monetary sum for its retrieval.

As a girl, you are prohibited from frequenting internet cafes and engaging in recreational activities, as it may arouse the attention of boys. Furthermore, attending stadiums to spectate football matches or other sporting events is strictly forbidden. If you happen to be a member of a swimming team, your membership is terminated upon reaching the age of sixteen, without any discernible justification for this restriction.

Mahsa Amini's untimely demise has prompted some changes within Iran, particularly in the minds of certain individuals. However, numerous instances of honor killings perpetrated by fathers or husbands persist due to misguided Islamic ideologies instilled by the government. For instance, Sanaz Ghasemi was killed by her husband, her brother killed Vida Piranchogh, and Raziyeh Hassanvand met a similar fate at the hands of her brother. Countless other names could be mentioned, names that have remained unknown to us.

Regrettably, we observe a dearth of individuals endeavoring to pursue education abroad and escape this country as expeditiously as possible. Moreover, the government continues to inflict harm, such as rendering the IELTS exam unaffordable for many aspiring candidates. Residing in Iran is an obligatory duty that all citizens must adhere to.

In conclusion, I simply yearn for the voices of those beyond Iran's borders to hear our plight and comprehend the challenges we confront. I fervently hope that one day, we shall rediscover our lost freedom.

1-constitution of Islamic republic of Iran

Im bahar lak studying political science in bachelor degree

baharlak75@yahoo.com

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