Iran: Zan, Zendegi, Azadi / Woman, Life, Freedom
Since mid-September, tens of thousands of Iranians have taken to the streets across the country to protest the government’s treatment of girls and women and in particular mandatory dress codes. These historic demonstrations center on women’s socio-political rights and democratic governance in Iran. The government has brutally responded. Hundreds have been killed, including children. Many thousands have been arrested. Despite the regime’s violent crackdown, protests have only widened. Demonstrators are shouting “Death to the Dictator.” The Islamic Republic of Iran, now in its 43rd year, has never faced such sustained and widespread opposition. Can it remain in power? The slogan of the protest movement is Zan, Zendegi, Azadi/Woman. Life. Freedom.
Interviewed by David Barsamian.
Recorded at KGNU.
Speaker
Marie Ranjbar
Marie Ranjbar is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Women’s and Gender Studies at the University of Colorado–Boulder. Her research examines social movements in Iran and integrates feminist political geography with critical human rights and decolonial feminist theory.
California Listener –
This great interview with Marie will make my syllabus at SF State. Being in solidarity with Iranian protests while in the US, she answers the critical question of how to do this without falling into the US trap of isolating and sanctioning Iran.
Colorado listener –
Wow. Thank you both SOOOOO much. This is such an amazing and powerful interview. I’m learning so much.
Anonymous Listener –
Great Interview. Informative, in depth.
Dana Franchitto –
How did the 1979 “revolution” end up with an archaic theocracy?Never mind question answered, thank you