The struggle for women’s autonomy in Iran is reaching new heights amidst a resurgence of state control tactics.
In recent months, a series of events has cast a glaring spotlight on the regime’s intensified campaign against women, with policies that target their bodies, choices, and mental health.
Despite this, Iranian women continue to resist courageously, forging a collective path toward freedom.
Ahoo Daryaei, a student at Tehran’s Islamic Azad University, became a viral sensation after her bold act of defiance. Confronted by campus security over her failure to comply with the mandatory hijab, Ahoo removed her clothing and walked through the university grounds. While her protest drew widespread praise online, on-campus reactions ranged from indifference to mockery, reflecting a society deeply conditioned by fear.
Soon after, state-affiliated media announced that Ahoo had been forcibly transferred to a psychiatric hospital. Amir Mahjoob, the university’s public relations director, labelled her a person with “psychological disorders.” This tactic—discrediting protesters by framing them as mentally unstable—is a chilling strategy employed by the Iranian regime to delegitimise dissent.
Afshin, an eyewitness at the university, described the event: “I saw her walking through the campus while everyone stared. The tension was palpable as Basij members and security forces swarmed the area and eventually forced her into a car.” Another student, Tina, added: “This kind of treatment is not new. Women face constant scrutiny over their attire, and this leads to fines, disciplinary actions, and, in cases like Ahoo’s, something even worse.”
Psychologist Leyla Khalili emphasised that diagnosing psychological disorders requires thorough assessments, which are absent in such cases. “The government weaponises mental health terminology to control and dehumanise individuals,” Esmaili explained. This stigma also exploits societal biases, which often view mental illness as a defect, further isolating those targeted.
A war on women’s autonomy
On 12 November 2023, the Iranian government unveiled its latest tool for enforcing hijab laws: the “Anti-Unveiling Clinic.” According to Talebi Darastani, head of Tehran’s Women’s Affairs Department, the clinic aims to “treat” unveiling among young women and teenagers through psychological and scientific methods. The initiative has sparked outrage among women’s rights activists, who see it as a dystopian attempt to pathologise personal choice.
Nazanin, a 30-year-old woman right activist and graphic designer, expressed her anger: “The idea of treating women’s dress choices as a mental illness is absurd and misogynistic. It’s another form of bullying and oppression disguised as concern.”
This policy is part of a broader campaign to tighten control over women’s bodies. The Chastity and Hijab Bill, supported by right wing officials like Qalibaf, speaker of the Parliament of Iran, introduces fines and warnings through surveillance cameras.
“This isn’t about culture or religion; it’s about control,” said student activist Hanieh Tabrizi. “The government is using technology to monitor and intimidate women into submission.”
Living under the shadow of constant surveillance and enforcement takes a significant toll on mental health. In a tragic example, 16-year-old Arezoo Khavari, an Afghan girl in Tehran, committed suicide after enduring relentless harassment from school officials over her hijab. Her death underscores the devastating effects of systemic oppression.
Psychologist Leyla Khalili explained that prolonged exposure to such threats leads to anxiety, depression, and a pervasive sense of hopelessness. “People in Iran live with a constant fear of consequences, which makes them hesitant to support protesters openly. Fear is an effective tool for authoritarian regimes to suppress dissent,” she said.
Public displays of solidarity often remain muted due to these fears, but social media has become a vital outlet for expression. A user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote: “Watching Ahoo’s video made me realise how desensitised we’ve become to these abuses. We’ve normalised surviving in fear.”
Resistance and resilience
Despite the pervasive oppression, the courage of women like Ahoo and others continues to inspire a growing movement. Journalist Yalda Ahmadi noted, “These acts of defiance may seem small on the surface, but they are seismic in their impact. Iranian society is slowly breaking free from the chains of fear.”
The “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement, which gained momentum in recent years, has not only reignited calls for change but also highlighted the systemic violence and discrimination faced by women. “Each act of resistance chips away at the regime’s control,” Marjan added.
Nazanin echoed these sentiments: “Change doesn’t happen overnight, but these moments of defiance are building a future where Iranian women can live with dignity and freedom.”
The Iranian regime’s efforts to suppress women through psychological labelling, institutional control, and intimidation are emblematic of a broader strategy to maintain power. However, these oppressive tactics have only fuelled a deeper resolve among Iranian women. Ahoo Daryaei’s protest, the tragic death of Arezoo Khavari, and the establishment of clinics designed to stifle autonomy serve as stark reminders of the stakes involved in this struggle.
Yet, the courage of Iranian women—their refusal to submit and their fight for freedom—offers hope. It is a testament to their resilience that even in the face of relentless oppression, the desire for change persists. The fight for women’s rights in Iran is far from over, but with every act of resistance, the path to freedom becomes clearer.
