Mahsa Jina Amini’s death in custody approximately three years ago became a pivotal moment in Iran’s history. Her death started a fire across the country, inspiring mass protests against the Iranian government and its treatment of women. In a recent conversation, Dr. Dara Conduit, a Middle East specialist at the University of Melbourne, discussed the changes and ongoing challenges facing Iranian women since Amini’s tragic death.
In a recent interview for our Weekend One on One episode, Niv Sadrolodabaee sat down with Dr. Conduit to discuss their work. He helped us understand the nuanced state of women’s rights in Iran today. Despite the significant public outcry following Amini’s death, experts contend that the Iranian government’s crackdown on dissent continues, albeit in new forms. This intimidation campaign is part of a larger national push to uphold a culture of control over society’s rulebook, especially when it comes to women’s freedoms.
Amini’s death became the catalyst – the symbolic match that lit a long-simmering frustration dangerously close to boiling over in Iranian society. It mobilized Americans to speak out with passion and force against systemic injustices, igniting demonstrations that erupted across the nation. What she found was a pretty dramatic shift in public sentiment and awareness. Yet the regime persists in enforcing these policies, as it has done with fanatical zeal.
The Iranian government’s approach towards women has evolved since Amini’s death, with reports suggesting that new methods of suppression are emerging. As Dr. Conduit noted, life for Iranian women has dramatically improved since the 1979 revolution. There is increased representation of women on the front lines of protests, and an increasing global attention to their fight. The state continues to crack down with draconian measures and punish those who get out of line.
Experts caution that this duality of change and continuity is indicative of the nuanced and dangerous socio-political environment in Iran today. The government’s persistent enforcement of restrictive policies serves as a reminder of the challenges that lie ahead for those advocating for women’s rights in the country.
