Last night, a 21-year-old Iranian woman, Hadis Najafi, stood down a group of government shooters, and took six shots to her chest for doing so.
This, of course, amid the revolt against the “morality police” after the brutal beating death of Mahsa Amini for lack of a proper hijab.
Since 1979, the Islamic chokehold on women in Iran has been iron clad. However, it appears as though the tides may be changing, and what is taking place at the moment is terrifying. I’m afraid for every woman in Iran who has taken to the streets, who has cut her hair, or removed her hijab. I know that this is what it takes. The unknown is how many women they are willing to murder before they understand that the old ways aren’t working for the citizens of Iran any longer.
With every video that is leaked, I find myself cringing when a woman is recognizable. I wonder who will be reviewing the footage, and when. I wonder how long that woman has left before they come and put six bullets in her chest, as well.
This is what it takes to call change to your social norms, to your religious law, to your oppression. But the reality is, once the shots are fired, it seems that’s all you hear for a while.
Imagine, living under so much control of other people, the men around you. These men don’t have to be related to you, acquainted with you, they don’t have to know your name. The mere fact that you step out of your home lacking a piece of cloth that represents the control these men have over you, means you can be beaten to death, shot down in the street?
This is necessary. It is also terrifying.
My heart is with you, women in Iran, and the men who stand beside you as well. I hope that soon, you’ll be free to choose how you express your religious views, be it clothing, or hair color, or any other form of expression that has been denied to you.
I simply pray that this isn’t the floodgate opening, as word continues to be received that dozens of women in their 20’s has been murdered at this point, and there seems to be no sign of hesitation when it comes to blatantly murdering women who want to be free.
Make no mistake, these women are absolute warriors. They have barely been alive to see the extent of the oppression, and they have already decided this isn’t the life for them. They have made the decision to fight, and quite likely die, to free themselves. They are going to be free, one way or the other, before the smoke clears.
Women of Iran, I am afraid for you. But I am also moved by your bravery, and your heart. Please, I know it’s necessary, but Godspeed. We are here, watching and waiting and cheering for you. We hope you get through to those who matter, those who can help you.
Please, know that you’ve already moved millions of women, we are all watching. We are all waiting for the day that you are free.