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Date: 11/1/2022
NORTHAMPTON – Northampton-based Iranian artist and activist Hakimeh Zadeh initiated a rally on the steps of Northampton City Hall on Oct. 27 to stand in solidarity for women who are currently protesting the antiquated and misogynistic rule of the current Islamic regime.
Background
For weeks, there have been protests in Iran demanding an end to the historically harsh restrictions on personal freedoms in Iran and the strict dress codes for women. Hundreds of protesters in Iran have died for this cause over the past several weeks.
While this fight has been happening for years, the most recent protests broke out after Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Kurdish woman, died under the custody of the Islamic Republic’s morality police.
Amini was detained in Tehran in mid-September for allegedly violating the Islamic Republic’s strict dress codes. She fell into a coma and died in a hospital three days after she was arrested.
Her death has reignited anger over the human rights issues in Iran, as protests and other rallies have impacted people on a global scale.
Women have played a prominent role in these protests, waving and burning their veils, while some have publicly cut their hair as many crowds called for the fall of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Ebrahim Raisi.
Northampton rally
The rally in Northampton, courtesy of Zadeh and other local women; and co-sponsored by Graduate Employees Organization – UAW 2322; aimed to foster intersectional solidarity and awareness connecting U.S. human rights struggles with those being waged by women in the streets of Iran.
Protesters and other supporters of the movement held signs with different messages that read “women, life, freedom,” while others read “say her name,” in reference to Amini. At one point, songs were sung in support of Iranian women by a group called the Raging Grannies.
Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra was one of many keynote speakers in attendance who spoke in solidarity with the women in Iran.
“[People] are pouring in the streets to protest the brutally misogynistic acts of the Iranian government,” said Sciarra. “They murdered Mahsa Amini at 22 years old and they’re murdering hundreds of protesters standing up against these brutal acts. “Yet, the protests will continue … they are spreading throughout Iran and spreading throughout the world.”
Moderator, organizer and activist Vera Cage said, “We need people who are brave and people who are willing to take risks to learn about the things that we’re ignorant about. This is about women, life and freedom.”
Zadeh, who has been working in a human rights organization for 17 years helping vulnerable residents, emphasized the stressful yearslong struggle she has been fighting since leaving her home country of Iran and settling in the United States.
“I was 20 when I was doing the same thing they are doing today,” said Zadeh. “The bravest young women are on the front lines fighting for their very basic human rights. We’re here to say enough is enough.”
“We’re here because we care about all of the freedom fighters in the world,” said Cage, fighting back tears. “We want to thank those who have lost their lives fighting back freedom. Mahsa Amini inspired us to get up and speak out, because we can, and we have a responsibility to learn and to be moved.”
After the keynote speakers, a candlelight vigil was conducted to finish the night.