Rising Resistance: Iranian Women Defy Hijab Mandate

As the second anniversary of Mahsa Amini's death approaches, more Iranian women are seen defying the mandatory hijab rule. Despite increased repression from authorities, the movement grows stronger, symbolizing resistance against theocratic control and fostering hope for a more liberal future under new leadership.

On the streets of Iranian cities, it's becoming more common to see women passing by without the mandatory headscarf, or hijab, as the second anniversary of Mahsa Amini's death approaches. This phenomenon began during Iran's hot summer months with widespread power cuts. Across social media, videos of women with uncovered hair are emerging despite the government's repressive measures.

The new reformist President, Masoud Pezeshkian, promised to halt the harassment of women by morality police. However, the ultimate authority, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, maintains that unveiling remains forbidden. For many observant Muslim women, head coverings represent piety and modesty, while in Iran, the hijab has long been a political symbol.

Mahsa Amini, 22, died in September 2022 after her arrest by morality police for allegedly failing to wear her hijab properly, sparking mass protests. The protests' chants grew into calls for revolt against Khamenei. Despite a brutal crackdown, resulting in over 500 deaths and 22,000 detentions, the movement persists, with women increasingly seen without the hijab. Surveillance measures have intensified, yet some believe President Pezeshkian's election is helping ease tensions.

(With inputs from agencies.)