SHAHLA MOHAMMADI

News Center — Four years have passed since the launch of the "Jin Jiyan Azadî" uprising in Iran and Eastern Kurdistan, which erupted following the killing of Jina Amini, before transforming into one of the most prominent social and political movements in the country.

During these years, the uprising brought about profound transformations and re‑raised many issues, while attempts at independent organizing face major challenges due to repression.

To examine the reality of women in Iran four years after the uprising, and the transformations it has brought to women's awareness of their rights, bodies, choices, and social roles, our agency conducted the following interview with Bahar Orin, a member of the Academy of Women's Studies (Genology).

 

Starting from today's Iranian society, what are the most prominent changes brought by "Jin Jiyan Azadî" in women's views of their rights, bodies, choices, and social roles? And what demands remain unaddressed?

I believe that after four years since the launch of the "Jin Jiyan Azadî" uprising, it is important to look to the future in light of the transformations Iran has witnessed. This movement—or rather, the "Jin Jiyan Azadî" revolution—has brought about important social and cultural changes, most notably strengthening women's self‑awareness, agency, and their right to their bodies.

To a large extent, Iranian women have transcended the frameworks imposed by the authorities to restrict their demands, and have also challenged traditional boundaries between the private and public spheres. Many gender‑based stereotypes have also declined, which can be considered a kind of intellectual and cultural revolution that has moved away from the official model imposed by the authorities.

However, legal and legislative structures remain in place, beginning with inequalities in inheritance, child custody and guardianship, to the absence of a comprehensive law criminalizing violence against women. The rise in femicide cases confirms that violence against women is not merely an individual or family issue, but is linked to patriarchal and legal structures and the lack of effective government protection.

Therefore, alongside cultural and social changes, the focus must be on legal and structural reforms. The continued organization of women, the strengthening of their social networks, and the development of clear programs to defend their rights can help transform mental and cultural changes into sustainable legal and social transformations.

 

Amid rising executions and repression, how have these pressures affected the women's movement and their ability to organize and resist? Have they developed new ways to continue their struggle?

The Iranian government has always used repression and violence against women to instill fear and raise the cost of civic activism—an approach that existed even before the uprising. But in reality, the more repression and pressure intensify, the more the culture of resistance expands. This resistance may take various forms, but it does not mean retreat.

Today, more than ever, women are turning to local networks, individual solidarity, and forms of decentralized cooperation. These networks have helped connect women with workers, teachers, retirees, and students, and if organization and collective work are strengthened, they could become an important force in confronting the power structure.

In my view, one of the characteristics of social revolutions is not only changing the existing power structure, but also building alternatives and new relationships. From this perspective, solidarity networks and new organizational experiences can be part of the process of building these alternatives. Therefore, continuous repression has not been able to stop the resistance; its dispersion and flexibility have made it difficult for the government to suppress it completely.

In light of the social and networked nature of the movement and the changing forms of women's resistance, how do you see the future of the women's uprising in Iran, given ongoing repression and the current political and social conditions?

In my view, "Jin Jiyan Azadî" is a historical and sustainable path that gradually challenges authoritarian and traditional structures. Therefore, the movement's future should not be reduced to waiting for a sudden victory; rather, the continuation of struggle and the expansion of social organization will be decisive factors in its trajectory.

The "Jin Jiyan Azadî" uprising and revolution have become a starting point for many liberation movements in Iran. To continue on this path, the independent and sustainable organization of women must be linked to the movements of teachers, students, workers, the environment, and other civic demands. Strengthening organizations, committees, and solidarity networks can also contribute to building social alternatives and shaping a vision for Iran's future society.

Individual activities alone are not sufficient to confront this level of repression; the future of this revolution depends largely on solidarity, awareness, and the unity of different movements. If society can benefit from the experiences and energies formed during the uprising and re‑expand the scope of resistance, the path of struggle for a free and democratic Iran will continue.