Feminism Movement as a Catalyst for Democratization in Iran 2022-2024

Abstract

In this research analyzes how the women's movement in Iran between 2022 and 2024 served as a catalyst in the process towards democracy in the country. The beginning of the movement's revival began after the death of Mahsa Amini, which sparked massive protests led by women with the cry "Women, Life, Freedom." The movement not only calls for freedom of dress, but also fights for broader human rights, including the right to expression, political involvement, and legal justice. With a qualitative approach and using the theoretical frameworks of Islamic feminism and participatory democracy, the research assesses the various forms of resistance perpetrated by women, from street demonstrations to online campaigns and legal advocacy, as well as the repressive response of the Iranian government that includes detention, torture, and execution. This research also explores how religious understanding contributes to the sustainability of patriarchal domination and how Islamic feminists such as Amina Wadud counter this with a more equitable and inclusive hermeneutic approach. In the context of state imposed repression, support from the international community, including Western countries and human rights institutions, strengthens the success of this movement as part of the global effort towards democracy and gender equality. The selection of the 2022–2024 period is based on the momentum of the women's movement resurgence following the death of Mahsa Amini, which marked a significant transformation in the trajectory of feminist struggles as a catalyst for democratization in Iran. The analysis shows that the feminism movement in Iran has been instrumental in driving significant socio political change and has created more opportunities for women to be involved in the public sphere. With the active involvement of women in fighting for their rights and freedoms, this movement shows that democracy cannot be realized without the presence of women as key actors in the process of change.