The Decibel The ‘quiet rebellion’ underway in Iran
Mar 3, 2025
Geoffrey York, Globe correspondent and Africa Bureau Chief, shares his insights from a rare reporting trip to Iran. He discusses the bold defiance of ordinary Iranians, especially women, against strict dress code laws despite government crackdowns. York highlights stories of resistance, including films challenging censorship and the evolving attitudes of Iranian men towards women's rights. This cultural uprising reveals a society quietly rebelling against oppressive laws, showcasing a resilient spirit amid economic hardship and political turmoil.
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Zila's Defiance
- Zila, a woman in Tehran, stopped wearing the hijab after the 2022 protests, despite her car being impounded.
- Her 17-year-old daughter has never worn one, highlighting a generational shift.
Generational Shift and Changing Attitudes
- Younger generations are less inclined to wear hijabs, with older generations gradually accepting this change.
- Interestingly, men are also increasingly accepting of women's defiance of the hijab law.
Overwhelmed Enforcement
- The Iranian government's inability to enforce the hijab law stems from the sheer number of women defying it.
- Internal divisions within the government contribute to this enforcement challenge.
