Women in Iran: 40 years of saying NO to the Islamic Republic and Political Islam

Women at the forefront of the 2009 mass protests

Women’s significant role in Iranian society became apparent in the 2009 mass protests that not only shook Iran but the whole world. Many of the protests were initiated and led by women. The armed forces openly attacked women in the protests. It was no coincidence that Neda Agha Soltan, who was shot dead by agents of the Islamic Republic, became the symbol of this revolutionary movement.