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Newsmaker of the Year Chosen by Radio Farda Audience: The Girls of Enghelab Street

Jan 26, 2026 January 26, 2026 1 min read 📰 Radio Farda
📋 Key Takeaway

In a poll conducted by Radio Farda, the 'Girls of Enghelab Street' were voted as the newsmakers of the year, highlighting their stand against compulsory hijab in Iran. This reflects significant public sentiment regarding women's rights and social issues in the country. The results indicate a shift in public discourse towards activism and gender equality.

🔍 Quick Context Guide
💡 Bottom Line: The recognition of the 'Girls of Enghelab Street' underscores a significant public push against oppressive policies in Iran.

👥 Key Players

Girls of Enghelab Street MENTIONED
Symbolic figures of resistance against compulsory hijab
"They represent a growing movement for women's rights and social change in Iran."
Radio Farda MENTIONED
Media outlet conducting the poll
"As a U.S.-funded Persian-language news service, it plays a significant role in shaping public discourse among Iranians."

📰 What Happened

In a poll conducted by Radio Farda, the 'Girls of Enghelab Street' were voted as the newsmakers of the year, highlighting their activism against compulsory hijab in Iran. This reflects a significant public sentiment regarding women's rights and social issues in the country.

  • Over 25,000 people participated in the poll.
  • The 'Girls of Enghelab Street' received over 11,000 votes, surpassing the 'December Protesters' by 1,200 votes.

💡 Why It Matters

🇮🇷 For Iran: This highlights a shift in public sentiment towards greater demands for gender equality and personal freedoms in Iran.
🌍 Regional: It may inspire similar movements in neighboring countries facing issues of women's rights and personal freedoms.
🌐 International: This event draws attention to the ongoing struggle for human rights in Iran, potentially influencing international policy and support for Iranian activists.

📚 Background

In Iran, the compulsory hijab law has been a contentious issue, symbolizing broader struggles for women's rights and personal freedoms. The activism surrounding this issue has gained momentum in recent years.

Women's rights in Iran Compulsory hijab laws
📡 Source: OPPOSITION
📊 Confidence: 70%
Radio Farda is known for its critical stance against the Iranian government, which may influence its reporting and audience engagement.

In a 2017 poll to select the newsmaker of the year, nearly 25,000 people participated on Radio Farda's website and Telegram. On the website, 'December Protesters' garnered more votes, while on Telegram, 'Girls of Enghelab Street' led. Ultimately, at the end of the polling, 'Girls of Enghelab Street' was chosen as the newsmaker of the year by receiving over 11,000 votes from Radio Farda users and audiences, out of 10 available options. The 'December Protesters' secured around 9,800 votes, placing second with a difference of 1,200 votes. In this roundtable, you will hear from the women and girls who have been deemed the 'most newsworthy' by our audience. They discuss standing up against compulsory hijab—one of the most sensitive ideological concepts of the Iranian regime—and share their personal experiences of being 'Girls of Enghelab Street.'

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Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →

Translation confidence: 85%

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