Iranian Writers Association on International Women's Day: Mahsas, Nikas, and Armitas Sacrificed for Women's Freedom

The Iranian Writers Association, on the eve of International Women's Day, stated in a statement that the deaths of Mahsas, Nikas, and Armitas were sacrifices made in the pursuit of women's freedom, writing that "freedom of expression without any limitations or exceptions for all" is an undeniable necessity for achieving and honoring a dignified human life. The statement emphasized that Iranian women who fought for years to free themselves from the shackles of tyranny and reactionary traditions were the first victims of the retrogressive religious regime in 1979. The Iranian Writers Association noted that with the establishment of the Islamic Republic, "the little rights women had gained after decades of struggle were easily lost, and the systematic repression of women expanded in various forms, including the imposition of hijab." The statement believes that the first grassroots organizations, the most active and influential of which were led by women. The Iranian Writers Association considers the resonance of the slogan "Women, Life, Freedom" in the streets, along with the participation of men of all ages, to indicate that "the system of male oppression and dominance has once again cracked in another place." In another part of the statement, it is mentioned that free Iranian women in every profession, despite threats and repeated arrests, the existence of various tortures in prisons, heavy sentences of imprisonment and execution, and despite compulsory deprivations, will not cease their struggle for education or means of livelihood. On the anniversary of International Women's Day last year, following protests against the killing of Mahsa Amini in the custody of the morality police, which became known as the "Women, Life, Freedom" movement, a group of Iranian social media users published images of freedom-seeking and justice-seeking women under the hashtag "100 Influential Women" and introduced them as selected women. Additionally, on the same day, images sent to Voice of America and published on social media showed that groups of women in several cities in Iran, including Tehran, Sanandaj, and Kamyaran, had gathered. The United Nations has recognized this day as "International Women's Rights and Peace Day" since 1977. The history of International Women's Day dates back to the strike and demonstrations of women workers in the textile industries in New York about 170 years ago; a strike and demonstration that aimed to improve working conditions and increase wages. Following that, an international socialist women's conference held about 100 years ago in Copenhagen, Denmark, approved Clara Zetkin's proposal from the German Social Democrats to recognize this day as "International Women's Day." In Iran, the first celebration of International Women's Day was held in 1922 in the city of Rasht. Since then, International Women's Day has been commemorated by women's rights activists and independent labor and political organizations in Iran. This day is not recognized by the Islamic Republic, even though Iran is a member of the United Nations.