The capital city, Tehran, was classified as one of the most vibrant cities where everyone from all walks of life would visit and experience both the rich history of Persia and the advancement and modernity of the West. My parents talk about the times when dignitaries and celebrities such as the Kennedy family, Elizabeth Taylor, and Andy Warhol, would attend galas and events in Iran on par with Paris or New York. Iran was considered one of the most civilised and educated countries in the world and a key ally to the West.
Unfortunately, some powerful, external forces felt threatened by Iran’s rapid growth, development and oil wealth, so they encouraged “The Islamic Republic to come to Iran and take over the country by force.” They killed anyone who stood in their way, including my uncle and family members who fought against this change and were loyal to our king and country.
From the day the Islamic Republic established itself in Iran, the country became a country controlled by terrorising the masses. For 43 years the regime have held 80 million Iranian people in Iran as hostages.
During this period, women have had their basic rights striped away from them, and forced to dress and act a certain way as if they are incapable to decide themselves.
Young girls are getting raped, tortured and killed if they question this misogynistic rule of governing. Look what happened recently to a 22 year-old girl by the name of Mahsa Amini. To be beaten and killed simply for showing a few strands of hair beneath her forced hijab. Why? Why is this happening? Why is the world allowing this to happen?
Imagine if these girls were your daughters, sisters, mothers, relatives or friends? None of us can imagine what these women are going through daily. We need to raise our voices and start acting against this barbaric behavior. In the history of our world there has never been a Women’s Revolution like this started by the brave women of Iran.
The women of Iran have not started this movement only for themselves, but for all the women in the world that have no rights and live in societies that discourage their equality and development.
We need to salute the women of Iran. We need to be their voices and we need to act on their behalf. We are all one. We all have one life. We all should make things right in this life. We all need to support each other. We all have to stand with human rights.
I can speak on behalf of myself and the people around me that we bow down to the beautiful Iranian women who are risking your lives everyday. You are the true soldiers and heroes of our time. We bow to you and we salute you. You are the lionesses of our world. We will stand behind you till the end. I am proud to say that I am Iranian/Swedish. I am proud that two of my nations are fighting for human rights. May God be behind you all during these crucial times.
Zan, Zendegi, Azadi. Women, Life, Freedom!
