Women in Iran Resilient Amid Economic Crisis and Fight for Rights

Iran is facing a severe economic crisis driven by corruption and sanctions, profoundly impacting women, particularly in marginalized communities. Activist voices highlight the struggles of female workers and the low labor participation rate, while the “Women, Life, Freedom” movement demonstrates a powerful resistance against gender oppression. Women are increasingly challenging traditional norms and asserting their rights despite systemic repression, with growing activism for political and social change.

Iran is currently experiencing a severe economic crisis attributed to corruption, mismanagement, and international sanctions, particularly following the reinstatement of the U.S. administration’s “maximum pressure” campaign aimed at crippling Iran’s oil exports. Individuals such as Narges, a pseudonymous 36-year-old artist from Sistan and Baluchestan, express the tangible effects of economic decline, noting that she and her peers face consistent financial challenges despite leveraging online platforms for income generation.

Women, particularly those from the Baloch ethnic group, face compounded adversities resulting from historical systematic discrimination and the current economic turmoil that drives many families into poverty. Narges underscores this theme, indicating a detrimental effect on women’s financial autonomy as they typically prioritize familial needs above their own. The Iranian currency has drastically depreciated under President Masoud Pezeshkian’s leadership, with inflation soaring to rates that double essential goods’ prices, exacerbating hardships, particularly for female workers.

Recent reports reveal alarming data regarding the plight of working women, especially single mothers, who experience disproportionate struggles amid the economic crisis. Union activist Simin Yaqoubian cautions that these women are grappling with existential uncertainties as they seek to maintain their livelihoods. The marginalization faced by women in the workforce is echoed by the low female labor force participation rate, which stood at a mere 14.38% in 2023, considerably lagging behind regional counterparts.

Amid these challenges, the climate for female activists and NGOs has become increasingly hostile. Marzieh Mohebi, a lawyer who spearheaded the Sora Women Lawyers Association, recounts her experiences as the organization faced government scrutiny, ultimately leading to her exile. Despite the crackdown, she believes in the lasting impact of their educational efforts on women’s rights.

The death of Jina Mahsa Amini in police custody sparked massive protests led by women, catalyzing the “Women, Life, Freedom” movement. This initiative has become a potent symbol of resistance against the required hijab and societal discrimination. Notably, there is a sense of budding change in attitudes, with more women, including those in conservative areas like Baluchestan, increasingly asserting their autonomy in matters of personal expression. Narges asserts a transformative shift is emerging, highlighting a decline in traditional pressures on women’s choices throughout Iran.

In conclusion, the Iranian women’s struggle for rights during an economic crisis reflects broader societal changes in attitudes and resilience. Despite severe economic pressures, women are increasingly asserting their autonomy, challenging systemic discrimination, and leading movements for political change. The juxtaposition of rising activism against significant repression underscores the ongoing fight for justice and equality, particularly through initiatives like “Women, Life, Freedom.” The ongoing financial hardships amplify these issues, yet they also motivate women to push for broader social and cultural transformations.

Original Source: www.dw.com