Iran’s deep economic crisis amid corruption and sanctions is intensifying women’s struggles for rights and autonomy. Amid rising inflation and job losses, women like Narges and Maryam are seeking financial independence through online businesses while facing systemic discrimination. Activists continue to advocate for change despite increasing state repression, inspiring movements like ‘Women, Life, Freedom’ that challenge societal norms and promote female empowerment.
Iran is undergoing a severe economic crisis attributed to systemic corruption, ineffective governance, and international sanctions. As part of this crisis, U.S. President Donald Trump reinstated the “maximum pressure” campaign aimed at crippling Iran’s oil exports. Citizens, particularly women, are feeling the pinch significantly, with many expressing their financial struggles amidst soaring inflation and a plummeting currency.
Narges, a pseudonymous 36-year-old artist from the impoverished Sistan and Baluchestan province, highlights that many women have taken financial matters into their own hands by utilizing online platforms to market home-made products. Despite the challenges they face in accessing the labor market, these women are crucial in sustaining their families.
The economic plight has disproportionately affected Baloch families, a minority group facing chronic drought and water shortages, compounded by longstanding systemic discrimination. As resources dwindle, women often prioritize their families’ needs over their own, which exacerbates their struggles. The inflation surge, attributed to President Masoud Pezeshkian’s administration, has resulted in a dramatic decrease in the currency’s value, making basic necessities increasingly unaffordable.
Union activist Simin Yaqoubian pointed out that working women, particularly single mothers, are in acute distress, struggling to secure livelihoods while being faced with deep-seated exploitation in the service sector. Despite an uptick in female representation in the government, the substantive improvements in legal rights remain elusive, prompting skepticism from advocates like Yaqoubian.
The female labor force participation rate in Iran remains one of the lowest globally, averaging 14.38%. As job losses rise amid the economic downturn, educated women are often the first to be dismissed. For instance, Maryam, a political scientist with health challenges, recounts her struggle to find work that accommodates her condition while her family grapples with financial instability.
In addition, the state is intensifying its repression against activists, particularly those advocating for women’s rights. Marzieh Mohebi, a lawyer and activist, fled to France after facing threats and government scrutiny for her efforts to support incarcerated women. Her NGO, the Sora Women Lawyers Association, provided pro bono legal help but was targeted for promoting feminist ideals.
The socio-political landscape has witnessed significant shifts since the 2022 death of Jina Mahsa Amini while in police custody for alleged dress code violations. This incident catalyzed protests that highlighted the struggles for women’s rights under the “Women, Life, Freedom” movement, which has spurred a wave of defiance against compulsory hijab laws and broader gender inequalities.
Today, a growing number of Iranian women, even in conservative regions, are voicing their demands for autonomy, demonstrated by their choice to forgo headscarves. Activists like Narges are observing shifts in societal attitudes towards female empowerment, noting that families are increasingly supportive of their daughters’ independence. “The ‘Women, Life, Freedom’ movement has transformed us,” she stated, reflecting a burgeoning confidence among women across Iran.
The ongoing economic crisis in Iran has catalyzed a fierce struggle for women’s rights, pushing many to explore financial independence despite systemic challenges. The statistics reflect dire circumstances, with women facing significant job losses and legal injustices. However, the emergence of the ‘Women, Life, Freedom’ movement and the willingness of women to challenge traditional norms symbolizes a powerful push for change, suggesting a transformative shift in societal attitudes towards gender equality.
Original Source: www.dw.com
