women empowerment

Ahou Daryaei: Say Her Name!

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Mandatory hijab laws – Iran isn’t a country for women


Ahou Daryaei: Say Her Name! Say the name of Ahou Daryaei. Say it aloud. Her name joins a list of brave women fighting for their rights in a country where expressing freedom means risking one’s life. We remember Mahsa Amini, who died after being arrested for not properly wearing her hijab. And now, yet another appalling incident confronts us with a painful truth: Iran isn’t a safe place for women.

Ahou Daryaei is a 30-year-old student at Tehran’s Azad University. Her “crime”? Allegedly violating hijab laws. During a confrontation with university security, Daryaei was harassed by members of the Basij, a volunteer paramilitary group, who reportedly tore off her headscarf and clothes. So, in a defiant act of protest, Daryaei chose to remove her clothes, challenging an unjust system from within the very grounds of her university. In response, she was brutally beaten and detained by the “Morality Police,” who publicly declared that she is mentally unstable. The university’s public relations director claimed she suffers from mental health issues, an accusation frequently levelled against women who defy Iran’s strict moral codes. (CNN)

Image of a mural of Ahou Daryaei by aleXsandro Palombo in front of the Iranian consulate in Milan
Mural of Ahou Daryaei by aleXsandro Palombo in front of the Iranian consulate in Milan.

International outcry for Ahou Daryaei


News of Daryaei’s courageous stand spread rapidly, igniting widespread anger and sparking calls for justice from human rights advocates across the globe. In fact, Amnesty International has demanded her immediate release, while the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Iran has confirmed that her case is under close observation. Also, Iranian actresses, activists, and students have shown solidarity, underscoring the urgency of protecting personal freedoms and dignity.

The reality behind the “mental disorder” label


But how many times have we heard that a woman challenging injustice is “mentally unstable”? In the Islamic Republic, there is a profound gender apartheid. Specifically, under Iran’s rigid interpretation of Islamic law, the hijab is mandatory for all women in public spaces, enforced by the country’s morality police. But even minor infractions can lead to severe punishment. So, labelling these women as “insane” is a tactic to discredit their courage and silence their voices.

Conclusion


If patriarchy is entrenched across much of the world, in Iran, it’s institutionalised. So, say her name: Ahou Daryaei. She isn’t insane. She is a fighter for freedom, an emblem of resistance in a land that refuses to let women live freely. Amnesty International demands her release, and we echo that call. Stand with her – demand her release.

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Kimia Yousofi: Platform, Leadership and Values

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Championing the right to empowerment


The journey of Kimia Yousofi at the Paris Olympics provided much food for thought on the concepts of platform, leadership, and values. In today’s world, having a platform seems to be everything. Whether the content is authentic or not, few seem to care. You can be uninformed – often the case – but if you have a platform, doors open. You’re in!

Unfortunately, the contemporary idea of a platform often equates to a superficial social media presence. However, we believe that a true platform and leadership are about much more than showcasing a new handbag, your body, or spewing hate towards anyone who doesn’t fit the mainstream mould.

This is why Kimia Yousofi has become one of our favourite athletes: she used the Olympic platform to express her sense of leadership and values.

Kimia Yousofi’s Paris 2024 Olympics inspiring experience


At the Paris 2024 Olympics, Kimia Yousofi ran the slowest time in her preliminary round of the women’s 100m competition. Having already competed in Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo, this was her third Olympics. Yousofi finished with a time of 13.42 seconds, slower than the 13.29 she ran in Tokyo.

Most athletes might feel disappointed at this point, but for Yousofi, this race was just the beginning. As the competition concludes, she removes the bib pinned to the back of her jersey, proudly displaying the red, green, and black emblem of Afghanistan. Then, she turns the bib around, eager to show the camera what is written on the other side. It’s crucial that people see it.

“Education, Sport, Our Right,” it reads.

image of Kim Yousofi holding a card which reads: "Education, Sport, Our Rights."


“Of course, the Olympic Games are a big dream for every athlete, not just for me. I’ve competed in the Tokyo Olympics and the Rio Olympics. But back then, I was running just for myself, because I loved to run. Now, I’m here for Afghanistan’s girls. I almost forgot my dream. I almost forgot everything. And I worked hard for three years, but all of this is for Afghanistan’s girls,” she says.

“I was in Kabul when the Taliban came. And I wanted to stay because I felt I belonged to this country. My people needed me. But many told me they couldn’t guarantee my safety. I was a woman with a public face because I had carried the flag of Afghanistan just a few days before. So I had to flee. I went first to Iran, and then Australia helped me get a visa to go there,” she added.

Ever since the Taliban took over the country, girls have been banned from even studying. “Our girls in Afghanistan, our women, want their basic rights—education, the ability to play sports. They want to be treated as human beings. They want to be able to decide what to do with their lives. These rights have been taken away from them for the last three years. I’m fighting for that.”

Kimia Yousofi and women’s rights


Despite not being in peak physical condition, Yousofi ran. Although she had prepared well for the Olympics, she developed an allergy in the weeks leading up to the event and then injured her right knee just before the race. “My knee was really sore, but I told myself I’m just going to run. I kept icing it and took pain tablets to manage the pain. But I had to run.”

She will do all of this to remind Afghan girls that there is another world out there. “I have a message for Afghan girls. Look for opportunities, and then use them. Even if you get a small one, use it. Don’t give up. Don’t let others make your decisions for you,” she says.

So, if having a platform is the most important thing today, she secured a powerful one! Platform, leadership, and values – all at once. Kimia Yousofi won!

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Why Fashion Fails to Embrace Body Shape Balance

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Analysing the link between fashion, body image and inclusivity


While advertising featuring young women with ultra-curvy silhouettes is mushrooming, revealing a seeming shift towards inclusivity, it prompts us to question why fashion fails to embrace body shape balance. 

Delving into the historical narrative of the fashion industry since the 70s, ultra-slim female body shapes have been deeply entrenched. But lately, the discussion on inclusion and diversity prompted the fashion industry to widen the representation of different body shapes. Despite recent conversations surrounding inclusion and diversity, exemplified by plus-sized models, this transition remains fraught with contradictions.

Fashion and body shape: inclusivity or marketing?


For a while, plus-size women seemed to be everywhere. Despite the disappearance of plus-size models from fashion shows, many TV advertisements now prioritise promoting what they perceive as an inclusive body image.

Therefore, the question arises: are these representations truly promoting a healthy body image?
In the past, skinny silhouettes have been criticised for fostering unrealistic ideals, often leading to harmful behaviours like anorexia. But the opposite extreme is no less concerning. By featuring heavily overweight body shapes, especially to impressionable young girls, both the fashion and beauty industries may inadvertently convey the message that it’s acceptable to be significantly overweight. From a health perspective, this is far from the truth.

For the fashion industry, as well as the beauty industry, it boils down to following trends. So, they shift from one trend to another, expressing themselves through misleading marketing messages. In fact, their sole purpose is selling more clothes, shoes or beauty products, uncaring of the damage they can bring to women.

Body positivity and well-being


In conclusion, the fashion industry swings between extremes, from thin silhouettes to plus-size models, but still fails to embrace body shape balance. Indeed, it overlooks the importance of promoting a healthy body image, which is essential for overall well-being.

Furthermore, it is unsettling to observe that women are always the primary focus of marketing. And it’s concerning that we often don’t know how to respond. In the name of (fake) freedom, we become victims of the latest gimmick.

Of course, being unique involves accepting our imperfections; let’s embrace body positivity. But this acceptance should not come at the expense of our health. Balance is the key.

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Violence Against Women

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A victim shares her story of abuse with us


Violence against women is gender-based violence, either physical, sexual or psychological. But economical too. In fact, it is a form of abuse very present in modern society in which patriarchy prevails.

Italy mourns the death of 22-year-old Giulia Cecchettin, found stabbed and wrapped in plastic on the 18th of November, 2023. She had been staying with ex-boyfriend Filippo Turetta at the time. And he had been on the run since November 11 when security cameras got him fighting with Giulia on tape. Now, he’s been picked up by police in Germany.

With the necessary rise in awareness of gender-based discrimination and in honour of the 25th of November – the International Day of Elimination of Violence Against Women, we are taking the opportunity to shine a spotlight on the prevalence of these violating acts by telling one from an anonymous victim.

An ordinary report of abuse


22 November, 2023- 9:22, morning
The sky was overcast, and the tram screeched on the tracks, forcing her to push her headphones closer to her ears to block out the sound. Stepping into the sea of people, she took a deep breath, finding a small space for her to stand by the door. It wasn’t unusual that the public transit was this crowded in the morning. But the stress from days prior had really taken a toll on her. She hadn’t gotten much sleep the night before, and the previous day, she had experienced a panic attack from overwork and stress. So it was safe to say that she didn’t think anything else could go wrong.

The ride was smooth for a while, people bumping into one another as the tram car took sharp turns. As the tram halted at its next stop, more people crowded in behind her, packing the tram so unbelievably full that it didn’t seem possible for the vehicle to keep moving. With a shove to her back, she found herself pushed against the wall of the tram. Even if she tried to move, it was useless. It was then that she felt the breath of someone behind her, a little too close, even in the crowded car.

With the shoving and moving of the sea of people, she felt a hand slip to the upper part of her leg, just under her rear end. No, she was not going to deal with this today. The hand searched, groping and feeling, sending the woman into a frenzied panic. Still stressed from the days before, she screamed, but to no avail. People couldn’t move. It was too tightly packed, and it’s not like anyone else could see what was happening. The tram slammed its brakes to a stop, and the person behind shoved her into the opening doors, sending her body flying toward the wall, smashing her arm between her own body and the sharp corner by the door opening.

Stop gender-based violence


As horrifying as this incident may be to hear about, this is an occurrence that is all too common. Men consistently harass women this way, especially on public transportation. Here it is easier for harassers to victimize others since the space is small, tightly packed, and sealed.

When speaking to other women about this issue, the common theme between all of them was empathy, sadness, and the common phrase ‘I can relate.’

What kind of world are we living in when such a tragedy is commonplace? Enough that the majority of women can relate?

This story is only one of thousands, millions. Women from all over have stories of situations just like this, harassed just because of their gender. Despite the progress made as women in the hierarchy of society, we must keep pushing forward, this is unfair. Violence against women needs to stop!

#NOEXCUSE

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More On Modern Feminism

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Is it true liberation and women’s empowerment?


Modern feminism mainly corresponds to exposing almost naked women’s bodies. From red carpets and fashion shows to music events, that seems to be the most visible trace of female affirmation.

As a demonstration of emancipation, women want to express themselves as they like. And, of course, that makes sense. Hence, dressing, or we better say, undressing, is part of this liberation. But look at music and movie stars, influencers, TV entertainment, and professionals. Followed by all the women who flooded social media with parts of their bodies as the only thing they can convey. Unfortunately, women’s image is more stereotyped than ever. So, we were happy to read about Chinese women who are challenging “beauty-duty” and traditional standards.

When it comes to dressing or undressing, the women’s so-called gained freedom strangely unveils traits that win the favour of men. Doesn’t any light bulb switch on in your head? Don’t we even question why our supposed freedom corresponds to men’s preferences?

Perhaps there is something we’re missing. But let’s take as a fundamental detail the liberty of showing our body as a reflection of our power. Take red carpets, for instance. Or any other event, since there’s no difference in terms of outfits, which are mainly inelegant. Women show up almost naked, as it seems that’s the only way to reveal all their femininity. But have you ever seen men show up naked on red carpets?

Indeed, this is the crux of the matter: Have you ever seen men show up semi-naked to promote their masculinity?

Are we talking about liberation and women’s empowerment, or is there something else behind it? As women, is our worth expressed only by nudity? Or by cages and standards – hair, make-up, plastic faces and bodies – we must fit in in order to satisfy societal expectations? If so, it doesn’t sound really new. In fact, it’s the same old story, which tells more about patriarchy than fashion or modern feminism.

But the reality is so well manipulated that they made us believe it’s about women’s power and modern feminism.

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