State-Sponsored Violence Against Women in Iran

Today, as we are approaching the end of the 16 Days of Activism to help Eliminate Violence Against Women and Girls, we’re going to discuss the disturbing rise of violence against women in Iran under the current regime and especially, a controversial law that’s going to be enforced soon to compel women to observe the mandatory Hijab. 

 While violence against women is a global issue, the situation in Iran is very concerning since it has been systemic and institutionalized under the clerical regime. The government not only fails to protect women but actively promotes misogynistic laws. So, women in Iran live under constant threat, both from the state and within their own homes.

The legal system, under the clerics, is deeply flawed and heavily biased against women. A man who kills his wife can often escape punishment under the guise of “honor,” while women are punished harshly, even for defending themselves.

Transcript

State-sponsored Violence Against Women in Iran

Hello and welcome to this episode of the NCRI Women’s Committee podcasts. Today, as we are approaching the end of the 16 Days of Activism to help Eliminate Violence Against Women and Girls, we’re going to discuss the disturbing rise of violence against women in Iran under the current regime and especially, a controversial law that’s going to be enforced soon to compel women to observe the mandatory Hijab. 

Host: To start, can you explain what sets the situation for women in Iran apart from other countries when it comes to violence?

Guest: Certainly. Thank you for shedding light on this critical issue. While violence against women is a global issue, the situation in Iran is very concerning since it has been systemic and institutionalized under the clerical regime. The government not only fails to protect women but actively promotes misogynistic laws. So, women in Iran live under constant threat, both from the state and within their own homes.

The legal system, under the clerics, is deeply flawed and heavily biased against women. A man who kills his wife can often escape punishment under the guise of “honor,” while women are punished harshly, even for defending themselves.

Host: The statistics on femicide in Iran are alarming. Can you tell us more about the recent trends in female murders?

Guest: Yes, unfortunately, femicides have been increasing year on year. Between June 2021 and June 2023, at least 165 women were murdered in Iran, but the real number is likely much higher, as many cases go unreported. 

In 2023, femicides occurred at an alarming rate—one every other day. The situation has been worse in 2024. 

In the first 11 months of 2024, until November 20, the NCRI Women’s Committee compiled the names and cases of at least 153 women who were victims of femicide. These murders took place in the home and committed by male family members. 

Female murders are steadily on the rise due to the regime’s failure to criminalize femicide and honor killings or provide any meaningful protection to battered women. The bill on preventing violence against women has been languishing for 13 years. 

Host: The regime has passed a new law on hijab enforcement in Iran, sparking significant controversy. Can you explain a bit about this law?

Guest: Well, the "Chastity and Hijab" law is a repressive piece of legislation that intensifies the state's violence against women by enforcing mandatory hijab. The process of drafting this law started in the wake of the 2022 uprising, which was sparked by the brutal killing of Jina Mahsa Amini. 

The new hijab law forces women to conform to a state-imposed interpretation of modesty, with severe penalties for those who refuse. This legal framework creates a second-class status for women, severely limiting their freedom and autonomy in all aspects of life, and reinforcing gender inequality on a national scale.

Host: Why has the regime chosen this moment to implement such a law despite the mounting crises it faces? There’s been mention of the law being disconnected from the needs of the public. 

Yes, that’s absolutely true. The regime is grappling with multiple domestic, regional, and international crises, but it sees enforcing the mandatory hijab law as essential to maintaining its control. This law is a desperate attempt to suppress dissent, and to prevent another uprising for freedom and democracy.

They say that enforcing the hijab is a matter of national security, with some officials even linking resistance to foreign conspiracies. But the law is widely seen as out of touch with the everyday struggles of Iranians. 

With widespread poverty, high unemployment, and inflation, many people are frustrated that the government’s priority is targeting women’s clothing instead of addressing the country’s economic and social issues. 

Even within the regime’s own factions, there’s acknowledgment that this law is impractical and unpopular. It’s generating more discontent and increasing the potential for protests.

Host: The law includes severe penalties for non-compliance, affecting not only women but also businesses and institutions. What does this tell us about the regime’s approach?

Guest: This shows the regime’s deeply authoritarian nature. It’s not just about imposing a dress code; it’s about tightening control over society. The law requires businesses, schools, and even ride-hailing drivers to monitor and report on women’s adherence to the hijab. It’s a mechanism for expanding surveillance, suppressing resistance, and ensuring that every sector of society enforces conformity. 

It’s a clear sign that the regime is willing to go to extreme lengths to control every aspect of people’s lives.

Host: Can you expand on the growing backlash? How has the Iranian public responded to the announcement of this law?

Guest: There has been widespread outrage both within Iran and internationally. Even within the regime, there has been internal criticism, as some factions fear the law will further alienate the population. The Resistance Units have retaliated by operations aimed at the regime’s centers of repression. 

Mrs. Maryam Rajavi has called this law "criminal and inhumane” because it is blatantly misogynous and a violation of fundamental human rights.  

The NCRI sees this law as part of a broader campaign of gender apartheid. The Women’s Committee called on all women to resist this criminal law with the slogan of “Women, Resistance, Freedom.” 

They are calling for international condemnation of this law, urging women everywhere to stand in solidarity with Iranian women who are courageously resisting this inhumane legislation.

Host: Despite the regime’s insistence on enforcing the law, many experts argue it will fail. What do you think are the long-term consequences of trying to implement such a law in this current climate?

Guest: The long-term and even the immediate consequences are going to be severe. 

You see, Iranian women are at the forefront of resistance against the regime. Women in Iran, like the entire nation, are not just fighting the hijab law—they’re fighting for broader freedoms and the overthrow of the clerical regime. The regime’s crackdown will backfire, as it did last time, sparking the 2022 uprising. It will spark an uprising which will overthrow the regime.

Host: Well, thank you very much and that wraps up this episode of the NCRI Women’s Committee podcasts. For more information, you can visit our website, wncri.org. We have posted extensively on the issue of violence against women in Iran during the past two weeks. 

Hope to see you next time. Until then, we wish you all the best and happy days.