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Wallet and Gender: Understanding Women’s Economic Marginalization in Iran
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The Iranian centrist newspaper, Ham Mihan, has highlighted the issue of women’s employment in a recent report. Despite Iran having one of the highest numbers of female university students and graduates in the region, their participation in the labor market and economy remains lower than in most neighboring countries. The core issue revolves around…
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Hijab, Political Islam,
and the Construction of Theocracy in the Middle East•
The Iran-Iraq war saw the slogan “My sister, your hijab is your fortress” symbolizing the Islamic Republic’s efforts to cement its ideology through veiling. Over time, the veil revealed itself to be a protective measure for the regime rather than for women. Questions about policy’s significance in women’s dress arise amidst large budgets for…
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From Faith to Secularism: Shifting Attitudes in Iran
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A nationwide government survey conducted in the 2024 winter shows a significant shift among Iranians away from the ruling ideology and towards a secular system. According to the national survey “Values and Attitudes of Iranians,” which is classified and has not been made public, an overwhelming majority of participants support the separation of religion…
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Islamic regime’s Chessboard:
Potential Presidential Candidates•
The Islamic Republic of Iran is preparing for a presidential election on June 28, 2024, following the untimely death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash. The governments of Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi and the Islamic Republic are both theocratic regimes. However, contrary to common perceptions, in certain aspects of power structure, the…
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How Iran’s Political Prisoners Are Driven to Suicide
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Dalia Andam, a 15-year-old Kurdish protester from Sanandaj, tragically ended her life after rejoining protests and receiving threats from law enforcement. On November 17, 2022, Dalia was shot with 25 pellets during a protest, further attacked later, and her family avoided hospitals for fear of arrest. She rejoined protests but, beaten again, endured harassment…
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Disclose and Divest: UofT Students Support Palestine
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Students at the University of Toronto have established a tent encampment on their campus advocating for Palestinian rights. They demand transparency in tuition spending to ensure it doesn’t support the Israeli government and ask for divestment from companies that oppress Palestinians. A large march is planned, and external groups are being engaged to pressure…
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War on Women:
Tracing Nazi Tactics in Tehran’s Streets•
In an unprecedented regime resistance, Ali Khamenei the leader of Islamic regime in Iran introduced “Political Haram,” linking religious law with politics to fortify the ideological foundation of Iran’s regime. This ideological maneuver targets especially women protesters, expanding the state’s repressive measures. The enforcement integrates religious prohibitions with political suppression, as scholars and media…
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Rap as Rebellion:
Toomaj Salehi’s Battle Against Oppression•
Toomaj Salehi, the most famous protest rapper in Iran, is a mechanical engineer and a lathe worker who has spent his salary and even his motorbike on creating his songs in protest against the regime. He says he is not afraid and wants to spread his courage to others. In the past years, he…
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Voices of Dissent: Iranian Leftist Parties Condemn Militarism and Imperialism
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Iranian leftist and communist organizations collectively condemn militarism, asserting the current Iran-Israel conflict benefits only the ruling regimes and imperialistic powers. They urge activism against war and oppression, associating increased hostilities with Iran’s attempts to distract from its domestic issues. Highlighting warmongering policies as a detriment to the Iranian populace and regional peace, they…
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How Healthcare Costs Push Iranians to the Brink
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Healthcare expenses, particularly medication, consume a significant portion of Iranian household incomes, with many forgoing treatments due to high costs. Iran’s rate of direct health payments is above global averages, indicating a widespread occurrence of catastrophic health expenditures. This trend results in increased poverty and reduced living standards, despite national policies aiming to protect…
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Iran: Minimum Wage and State Manipulated Food Baskets
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The state in favor employers manipulate the basket food to suppress wages. The Ministry of Health has reduced nutritional needs in the food basket, sparking worker protests. Amid inflation and unemployment threats, the true cost of living is ignored, leaving workers underpaid and increasing hunger, while employers oppose wage hikes citing economic strain. The…
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Voices Unheard: Afghan Women’s Fight Against Marginalization
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The UN meeting on Afghanistan in Doha coincides with protests by Afghan women against Taliban rule. Parwana Ibrahim Khail, a known journalist and women’s rights activist, shared her experiences of imprisonment and torture under the Taliban, including a stoning sentence for alleged apostasy. Despite international outcry and support for these women, the Taliban continue…