In An Act Of Defiance Women In Iran Are Taking Their Hijabs Off; SAY NO TO HIJAB

Since the Iranian Revolution in 1979, women in Iran have been required to wear a hijab in public. The hijab is a headscarf that covers the hair and neck and is often worn with a loose-fitting coat known as a chador.

Removing one’s hijab in public is considered a criminal offense in Iran, and those who do so can face arrest, imprisonment, and even lashings. Despite the risks, many women are willing to speak out against the compulsory wearing of the hijab and are demanding more freedom when it comes to choosing what to wear.

On July 12, 2022, Islamic Republic’s “Hijab & Chastity Day”, more and more Iranian women are choosing to defy the dress code and publicly remove their hijabs. For many of these women, it is a way to assert their autonomy and express their dissatisfaction with the restrictions placed on them by the government. In a country where women have few rights, this act of rebellion is empowering and liberating. The Iranian women are sending a powerful message that they will no longer be silenced or oppressed.

This act of defiance is a rejection of the Islamic Republic’s strict dress code for women, which requires them to cover their hair and bodies in public.

Twitter is swamped with the revolutionary videos of Iranian women removing their hijab’s publicly. They are going to the streets and to their workstations without a Hijab. One of the woman while removing her Hijab wrote on Twitter,  “No to compulsory hijab, no to Islamic Republic.” 

In yet another video, an Iranian woman can be seen walking unveiled in a shopping center, singing a song that says  “I’m opposed to hijab, I no longer want to wear it.” 

In light of such boldness, Mrs. Maryam Rajavi’s 2016 speech is trending online. Speaking on camera, Mrs. Rajavi declares,  “No to compulsory veil, no to compulsory religion, and no to compulsory government.“ 

There is no question that women in Iran are risking a great deal by publicly removing their hijabs. In a country where the government has made it clear that they consider the hijab to be a mandatory part of a woman’s wardrobe, these women are making a very bold statement by taking it off. And, as we’ve seen in recent months, the government is not afraid to crack down on those who disobey their rules.

While it is impossible to know exactly how many women have been arrested or punished for removing their hijabs, it is clear that this is a very real and serious issue for women in Iran. And, unfortunately, it seems that the situation is only getting worse. In the face of increasing restrictions and punishments, these brave women are continuing to stand up and fight for their right to choose what they wear.

They could be arrested, imprisoned, and even killed for this act of defiance. However, they continue to do it because they believe that it is their right to choose what to wear, and they should not be forced to cover their heads against their will. We can only hope that the situation in Iran changes soon and that these brave women will finally be able to live in safety and without fear of reprisal.

Standing in solidarity with Iranian women.

Say no to Hijab!