top of page
Writer's pictureWomen’s Student Services MSU
Oct 12, 20223 min read

Solidarity with Iranian Women is a Feminist Issue (TRIGGER WARNING: Violence)

By: W*SS Staff


A woman cuts her hair as Iranians living in Chile attend a rally in solidarity with Iranian women in Santiago, Chile [Ivan Alvarado/Reuters] Source


Here in East Lansing as we prepare for Homecoming weekend and enjoy the fall colors, we may feel far removed from what is happening on the other side of the world in Iran; some members of the campus community may be simply unaware, others may feel like our freedoms are unaffected by the political will of other nations. However, staying informed and using our collective voices in support of and in solidarity with protesters is a critical component of feminism. Our work in Women*s Student Services centers an intersectional feminist lens to create advocacy, support, and connection opportunities (spaces of solidarity and belonging) across identity. In short, solidarity with Iranian women is a feminist issue.


We invite members of the MSU community to first become aware and raise collective awareness and then use their voices to condemn violence against those who face gender-based discrimination. This week’s thought of the day is dedicated to the members of the Iranian community here at MSU and all those who are working in solidarity for peace and freedom from oppressive regimes worldwide.



Please read on to access resources and information to both inform and educate as well as outlets for taking action. Trigger warning: violence.


A short recap: Since the 16th of September protesters have been speaking out on the side of liberation and freedom across the world, but specifically in Tehran, Iran. The protests were sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22 year old Iranian woman who was arrested in Tehran by the “morality police” for wearing her hijab “improperly.” She was beaten to death in detention, thus sparking the protests in solidarity all over the world.


To learn more about the MSU Iranian community’s response, please read Ashley Zhou’s October 6th Article in the MSU State News: “MSU’s Iranian Community Channels Anger into Protests Over Morality Police”


For more information on what is happening in Iran, please review the organizations as well as the media/news reports below:


In addition to reviewing these news articles, we also want to amplify and uplift the voices of Iranians and Feminists who are speaking out against violence. Here are several statements that we encourage you to read:


Ready to take action? What else can we do to help the protesters in Iran? TIME Magazine published a list, which we’re paraphrasing here:

  1. Donate

  2. Sign a Petition

  3. Stay Informed and Use Your Political Power


Shervin Hajipour is an artist and singer/song-writer who was arrested several days ago after posting a song about the anti-government protests. Shervin notes that people are protesting:

For my sister, your sister, our sisters

For embarrassed fathers with empty hands

For the sigh over an ordinary life

For the child laborer and his dreams

For this dictatorial economy

For this polluted air

For all those unstoppable tears

For missing the murdered kids

For the smiling faces

For the students and their future

For all the smart ones in prison

For the Afghan kids

For all the meaningless slogans

For the feeling of peace

For the sunrise after the long dark nights

For the girl who wished she was born a boy

…For Woman, Life, Freedom




Interested in sharing your own "Thought Of The Day" or TOTD? Email us at wss@msu.edu.

86 views

Comments

bottom of page