The Geneva Summit for Democracy and Human Rights announced on Monday that Iranian journalist Masih Alinejad, creator of the My Stealthy Freedom Facebook page, is the recipient of its Women’s Rights Prize for 2015.
Alinejad’s My Stealthy Freedom Facebook page is where Iranian women have been uploading photos of themselves in various locations around Iran in public places, out in nature or at historic sites without the compulsory head covering.
The Facebook page has become a highly successful and active internet campaign reflecting the protests against compulsory hijab.
The Geneva Summit for Democracy is sponsored by 20 human rights groups from around the world In the words of the summit organizers, Alizadeh is awarded the rights prize “for giving a voice to the voiceless and stirring the conscience of humanity to support the struggle of Iranian women for basic human rights, freedom and equality.”
Alinejad reacted to the news of receiving the award, saying: “I hope that it becomes an opportunity for Iranian women to be heard. From the seven-year-old girl to the 70-year-old grandmother, all are obligated to wear the hijab in Iran. I hope this award echoes the voice of women who say no to compulsory hijab in the United Nations.”
