Iran (MNN) — Ever since the 2022 death of a woman in custody for “improper attire,” Iranian women have stopped wearing hijabs in protest. Nazanin Baghestani with Heart4Iran says the symbolic act of resistance is gaining traction.
“Practically now, on the streets, mostly – I would say 70% of women – are without their hijab,” she says.
Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has recently defended hijab laws, even as women continue to defy them. Wearing a headscarf became mandatory for the country’s women after the Islamic Revolution in 1979. Notably, Iran’s current president, Masoud Pezeshkian, takes the position that women cannot be forced to wear hijabs, but his authority is subordinate to the Supreme Leader’s. As political divisions deepen, the population continues to subvert the system. While met with pushback from law enforcement, Baghestani says clampdowns are ineffective.
“It’s not working. They’ve tried that many times, and the women are increasingly without hijabs,” she says.
Evidence of hypocritical officials intensifies their fervor. A recent leaked video clip from the wedding of a senior defense official’s daughter shows her flouting modesty guidelines he himself sought to enforce.
“They’re all against it because they say that you are putting a strict law for other women, but your own household is not going by this hijab code,” Baghestani explains.
Still, police are on the move for violators, especially targeting businesses that serve customers without hijabs.
“The people of Iran are so imprisoned – so confined. They’re not free, so every little window that can be opened that can show some freedom in their life, they’ll take it,” Baghestani says.
Oppression of women in Iran is comprehensive: physical, relational, organizational, and political. Baghestani says the effect is a deep-seated resentment you can hear in the voices of Iranian women.
“You know, when we talk to them and try to counsel them, they’re so bitter,” she says. “They’re so bitter, and it’s hard for them to forgive.”
The Heart4Iran call center team confronts this daily, offering relief from oppression through the blood of Christ. Baghestani says they always try to remind women of Gospel truths:
“You’re a child of God. You’re precious. You’re loved, and Jesus has a different plan for you. Let’s forgive and move on.”
Please pray for breakthroughs for Iranian women. Pray that lies will disintegrate in the light of truth. Pray that hearts and minds would be changed by the Holy Spirit, and pray for Baghestani and her team as they work with hurting women.
“Once they believe the truth, they will live the truth and live a life of freedom – live a life of forgiveness, live a life of peace and the joy that comes from the Lord.”
Iranian Market. Courtesy of Joan M via Unsplash. Featured photo courtesy of Nada via Unsplash.
