With International Women’s Day just two weeks away, today, we salute the incredible women worldwide who have fought and paved the way for women’s rights and equality.

And today, we’re diving into the fierce and relentless battle of Iranian women. They’ve been at the forefront of the fight for freedom and democracy in Iran, and their courage is nothing short of inspiring.

When we think of Iran, unfortunately, the image that often comes to mind is one of oppression—particularly the suppression of women’s rights. Women in Iran have had their basic freedoms taken away, whether it's the right to choose their attire, participate fully in society, or live without fear of violence.

It’s so important to recognize that the repression in Iran isn't just about the compulsory hijab. It goes far deeper. The regime’s control over women is a tool to maintain its power, and it's been that way for over 40 years. But what we don’t hear enough about is the other side of this story: the fierce resistance of Iranian women.

Today, we’re exploring a story of resilience, courage, and unbreakable determination—the role of Iranian women in the 1979 revolution.

As we mark the anniversary of the 1979 Revolution, on February 11, 1979, we’ll take a closer look at the significant role women played in this historic movement—how they defied societal norms, risked their lives, and stood at the forefront of the revolution. Their fight for freedom didn’t end in 1979, and today, we’ll also examine how their legacy continues to inspire the ongoing struggle for women’s rights in Iran.

Qarchak Prison—it’s been called one of the most notorious facilities in Iran. Why is it so infamous?

It really lives up to that reputation. Qarchak is the only all-women’s prison in Iran, located in Varamin, about 35 kilometers southeast of Tehran. But it’s far from being a place of rehabilitation. Overcrowding, filthy living conditions, and the mistreatment of inmates make it a living nightmare.

And we’re talking about political prisoners here too, right?

Yes, many inmates are political prisoners or activists who’ve committed no crime other than speaking out. But they’re lumped in with dangerous criminals. It’s a blatant violation of the principle of separating prisoners by crime type, and the regime does it deliberately.

Why would they do that?

To pile on the pressure. It’s psychological torture. Imagine being a political prisoner and having to fear attacks from violent criminals constantly. The regime essentially uses these criminals to intimidate and even harm activists. It’s a way to kill or severely injure political prisoners without taking the blame.