Shirin Neshat
While the brutal death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini has stirred people across the world, it is the women of Iran who have raised the loudest voices in speaking against the injustice. Iranian artist Shirin Neshat is one of them, who is using her platform to highlight the Iranian women-led protests that sparked after Amini was reportedly beaten on the head while in police custody for wearing her hijab “incorrectly”.
View this post on Instagram
After offering her condolences to Amini’s family in an Instagram post, Neshat went on to document the widespread protests via pictures and encouraging captions. “Iranian women may be the first to lead a revolution in the history of mankind,” Neshat shared with Vogue Arabia. The exiled visual artist’s work, among many things, is known to mirror the world’s events and express the social and political challenges that face women. Witnessing the bravery of those protesting in this day and age, Neshat is hopeful for a better future. “I’m proud of being an Iranian woman and beyond moved by the courage of Iranian men and women, risking their lives by protesting on the streets of Iran so one day all Iranians can see an end to this horrific dictatorship,” she says.
View this post on Instagram
Other Iranian women who have publicly supported Amini, and by extension, women’s right to choose how they dress without the government’s imposition, include actor Golshifteh Farahani. “The biggest fight of resistance for equal rights between men and women is happening right now in Iran,” wrote the Body of Lies star. “Women in Iran simply die for their hair being out. Join. Support. Share. #mahsaamini died 5 days ago because of her hair not being covered properly.” Her Imperial Majesty Empress Farah Pahlavi also released a statement from her residence in Paris, saying, “I am proud of our country’s women who despite all repressive and brutal measures of the last four decades against them are on the streets to win their basic human rights and freedoms. Following an announcement by Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, I also declare September 18 and 19 national days of mourning in memory of Zhina [Mahsa Amini] and all Iranian children who have lost their lives.”
