LARA JOHARİ

Urmia- In Iran, where women are oppressed in all spheres of life, keep resisting. NuJINHA spoke to the women of Urmia about the International Women’s Day.

Activist Hania Qadri, a political science master's student in Urmia, wishes a happy International Women’s Day to all women fighting for their freedom. Pointing out that they live in an unjust country, she said, “There are women who keep resisting this unjust regime.”

 

‘My brother-in-law slapped me in the face’

Another woman in Urmia, she asked us not to write her name for security reasons, was subjected to domestic violence by her brother. “I have been married for two years and lived in the same house with my husband’s family. One day, my brother-in-law slapped me in the face because my veil fell off my head. I had to keep silent although I was subjected to violence because I was pregnant. But I keep posting. Women will not be free until this misogynous government is changed.”

‘Your freedom is the most important thing’

Fayqa was forced into a marriage when she was 16. “When I was 18, I got pregnant. My husband had schizophrenia and he tried to kill me twice. I was not safe in that house. I decided to divorce without any support. I have not been allowed to see my daughter for four years. I do not regret my decision.”

Fayqa said that all women should love themselves first. “Struggle for your rights, your freedom is the most important thing; don’t allow the patriarchal mentality to usurp your rights. Be proud of yourselves and break all barriers.”

 

‘Resist the patriarchal mentality’

Elytra started her speech by wishing a happy International Women’s Day to all women. Despite all the obstacles, she never gives up struggling. She called on all women to, “resist the patriarchal mentality. Women can be free if they struggle.  Hundreds of women have died or been arrested while struggling for freedom. We should follow in their footsteps.”