Iranian women are enduring severe repercussions for resisting mandatory hijab laws, extending beyond physical and verbal harassment to include significant financial burdens. The recent intensification of these penalties underscores the lengths to which the regime will go to enforce compliance.
Daily Struggles and Risks
The fight against compulsory hijab has become a daily ordeal for many women, who now face penalties such as the confiscation of their vehicles. One woman, Mahboubeh, recounted her experience,
“We all know that seizing cars for not wearing a hijab is illegal, but what can we do when the law enforcer is committing this illegality and our hands are tied by the government’s coercion? After receiving the message, because I had a trip ahead, I handed over my car myself. I introduced myself to the local police station, and they directed me to the parking lot. A week later, I went back to the station, signed a commitment letter, and went to the police office, which told me my car was still seized and to come back tomorrow. The next day, they said the complaint had been dropped, so I collected my car, which was very dirty by then. Hearing other friends’ experiences, I think that introducing oneself makes the follow-up process and paying fines easier and less costly.”
Financial Sacrifices
Many women, to avoid these harsh penalties, are transferring ownership of their assets to male family members. Panateh, another affected woman, said, “When the oppression of women for not wearing a hijab is mentioned, the focus is only on the street-level oppression. But we also pay other costs for fighting mandatory hijab. One of these is transferring ownership of cars or bank savings. In reality, to gain victory in one area of gender discrimination, we are forced to retreat in another area where we have made progress.”
Workplace Discrimination
The imposition of the hijab also extends into professional environments. Women working in private companies often face a difficult choice between adhering to compulsory hijab rules or risking their jobs. Maryam, who provides counseling on women’s resilience, noted, “The ways that women have found to resist government pressures are varied. Some have forced organizations to accept optional hijab, especially in private companies. But in other cases, women have had to leave their jobs or take early retirement to avoid complying with mandatory hijab at work. Some have transferred to other workplaces.”
Psychological Toll
The psychological impact of these enforced measures is profound. Women like Nazanin, who had her car confiscated on a highway, described the ordeal as,
“First, they caught me, took my documents, and told me to follow them. I said, ‘Don’t seize my car today because I’m sick and need it.’ They said, ‘The cameras reported it, and it’s out of our hands!’ So, I followed them and saw they had also caught a woman my mother’s age. Two unveiled women following a police car—it was very laughable. When we reached the parking lot, it was completely full. The woman said, ‘Thank you very much! Are you traffic police or hijab enforcers?’ The police apologized, saying they had no choice because the car had GPS, and the cameras had reported it.”
Systematic Suppression
This systemic suppression not only targets women in public spaces but also in their private financial affairs. The regime’s measures reflect a broader strategy to maintain control through economic and psychological pressure. Women, in their quest for bodily autonomy, find themselves retreating in other aspects of their lives, highlighting a significant regression in gender equality.
Despite these challenges, Iranian women continue to demonstrate resilience and creativity in their resistance. The fight against compulsory hijab is not just about clothing; it is a broader struggle for autonomy and rights in a society that persistently seeks to curtail them. As the international community watches, the bravery and determination of these women remain a testament to their unyielding spirit.
This is a summary of original Radio Zamaneh content crafted with the help of AI, edited by a Radio Zamaneh editor. To read the original article, click here.
