Woman, Life, Freedom

A historic movement for change and democracy in Iran

Ignited by the tragic death of Mahsa Amini in September 2022, the Woman, Life, Freedom movement represents the Iranian people's demand for fundamental rights, freedoms, and an end to oppression. It has become the most significant challenge to the Islamic Republic in decades.

#WomanLifeFreedom#MahsaAmini#IranRevolution

Protesters in Tehran, October 2022

About the Movement

The Woman, Life, Freedom movement (in Persian: زن، زندگی، آزادی‎; Jin, Jiyan, Azadî in Kurdish) emerged in September 2022 following the death of 22-year-old Kurdish woman Mahsa Amini while in the custody of Iran's morality police for allegedly not wearing her hijab properly.

What began as protests against mandatory hijab laws quickly evolved into a nationwide movement demanding fundamental change in Iran. The three-word slogan encapsulates the core demands of the movement: respect for women's rights, the celebration of life over repression, and basic freedoms for all Iranians.

Unlike previous protest movements in Iran, Woman, Life, Freedom has been remarkably diverse and unified, bringing together people across generations, ethnic groups, and social classes. Women have been at the forefront, with their acts of defiance—removing headscarves, cutting their hair publicly—becoming powerful symbols of resistance.

The movement's persistence despite brutal repression by authorities has made it the most significant challenge to the Islamic Republic in decades. It has received widespread international support and sparked renewed discussions about Iran's future.

Movement Timeline

Key moments in the Woman, Life, Freedom movement, from Mahsa Amini's death to the ongoing struggle for change

September 13, 2022

Mahsa Amini's Arrest

Mahsa (Jina) Amini, a 22-year-old Kurdish woman, is arrested by Iran's "morality police" in Tehran for allegedly wearing her hijab improperly.

September 16, 2022

Mahsa Amini's Death

Mahsa Amini dies in custody under suspicious circumstances. Authorities claim she had a heart attack, but her family and eyewitnesses allege she was beaten by the police.

September 17-18, 2022

Initial Protests Begin

Protests erupt in Mahsa's hometown of Saqqez during her funeral and quickly spread to other Kurdish cities. Women begin removing and burning their headscarves in public.

September 20-25, 2022

Nationwide Protests

Protests spread across Iran, reaching major cities including Tehran, Isfahan, Tabriz, and Shiraz. The slogan "Woman, Life, Freedom" (Jin, Jiyan, Azadî in Kurdish) becomes the movement's rallying cry.

October 2022

University Protests

Students join the movement with major protests at universities. Security forces violently raid several university campuses, including Sharif University of Technology.

November-December 2022

Economic Strikes

The movement expands with economic strikes in bazaars and industries. The regime responds with mass arrests and increased violence against protesters.

December 2022-January 2023

First Executions

The Islamic Republic begins executing protesters on charges of "enmity against God." International condemnation intensifies as Mohsen Shekari and Majidreza Rahnavard are publicly executed.

February-March 2023

Poison Attacks

A wave of suspected poison gas attacks targets girls' schools across Iran, widely seen as retaliation against the movement and young women's participation.

September 2023

One Year Anniversary

Demonstrations mark the one-year anniversary of Mahsa Amini's death despite heavy security presence. New protests emerge in Kurdish regions.

2023-2025

Ongoing Resistance

Though large street protests have diminished due to brutal crackdowns, resistance continues through other forms including women refusing to wear hijab, civil disobedience, and international advocacy.

Reza Pahlavi's Role in the Movement

Since the beginning of the Woman, Life, Freedom movement, Reza Pahlavi has been a vocal supporter and advocate, using his international platform to amplify the protesters' demands and build global awareness and solidarity.

International Advocacy

Raising awareness about the movement through meetings with world leaders, politicians, and international organizations.

Unity Building

Working to unite diverse opposition groups around the core values of Woman, Life, Freedom and a shared vision for democratic change.

Support for Protesters

Vocally supporting the demands of protesters and amplifying their messages, while advocating for international pressure against the regime's violent crackdowns.

"The Women, Life, Freedom movement represents the authentic voice of the Iranian people and their determination to live in a society where dignity, equality, and freedom are guaranteed for all."

"This movement has created an irreversible momentum toward democracy and a secular government that respects women's rights and the dignity of all Iranians."

- Reza Pahlavi