Iran in a Transformative Process by Woman, Life, Freedom

Abstract

This article presents an overview of various aspects of the new social movement of “Woman, Life, Freedom" known also as Zhina or Mahsa movement. Intellectually and theoretically, this movement is reflective of an “existentialist moment” in Iran, especially among the younger generation of women and men of urban middle and working classes shaped by the recent decades of “glocal” processes. The movement is strongly expressive of a deep yearning for liberation and reclaiming of a dignified “normal life” and self-determination especially by young women. It indicates a deep cultural, political, and moral chasm between most people and the corrupt repressive ruling Islamists in power. While it is a novel split from the present ideological and political establishments, many of its demands and values are rooted in Iran’s recent history of over 120 years of striving for human/women’s rights, the rule of law, democracy, liberty, justice, and persuasion of happiness and prosperity. The intersectional and multidimensional aspects of the movement, including gender, sexuality, generational, ethnic, socio-economic class, and environmental concerns are analyzed. The paper ends with a brief look at the shortcomings of the movement as well as its prospect based on the achievements made so far.