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.

Welcome to the NCRI Women’s Committee podcast. As always, we are here to amplify the voices of women in Iran and shed light on the struggles they face under the clerical regime. Today, we delve into one of the most horrifying and systemic issues plaguing Iranian women: femicide and honor killings.

To begin, let us remember Ghazaaleh Hodoodi, a 27-year-old mother from Sanandaj, whose life was tragically cut short just last week. This young woman’s story is heartbreaking, and her case is emblematic of the institutionalized violence women endure daily in Iran.

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Could you tell us more about Ghazaaleh’s story and what makes her case particularly significant?

Certainly. Ghazaaleh Hodoodi was a resilient young mother raising her 11-year-old daughter, Niyan, as a single parent. She worked as a tailor to support her family after divorcing her husband, who spent most of his life in prison. Tragically, her attacker, Sirvan Sa'edpanah, had harassed her repeatedly after she declined his marriage proposals. On the evening of December 25, he entered her shop with a bottle of gasoline and set her on fire. Despite her desperate attempt to escape and the efforts of her family to save her, Ghazaaleh succumbed to her injuries two days later.

What makes this case even more disturbing is that Sirvan Sa'edpanah is affiliated with the Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), highlighting the impunity that many perpetrators enjoy under the regime. Meanwhile, Ghazaaleh’s daughter, Niyan, is now in the custody of her paternal family, leaving her future uncertain.