For years, Mahnaz (a pseudonym, like all the other people quoted in this article), a 35-year-old Iranian graphic designer, tried to get used to the reproachful looks of men in the street, because of her headscarf, perceived as not covering enough. She had resigned herself to the idea that there was nothing to expect from her male compatriots. But since the beginning of the uprising which shook Iran following the death of Mahsa (Jina) Amini, in September 2022, for a veil “ill-fitting”something profound has changed in the attitude of men, say Mahnaz and other Iranian women consulted by The world.
While since September, more and more women have been taking to the streets with their hair in the wind, the 30-year-old says she receives far fewer unpleasant comments from men. In place, “They smile at me and thank me for my courage”explains Mahnaz. “Once, I was sitting without a headscarf on a bench in the center of Tehran. A man said to me: “I congratulate you on being so beautiful without that damned hijab. THANKS !” »
The way in which men show their support for women who dare to challenge the Islamic Republic and the obligation to wear the veil, a central principle of the Tehran regime, goes beyond smiles and encouraging words. “Once, in a Snapp (the Iranian version of Uber), I asked the driver if he would like me to put my scarf back on”recalls Mahnaz who was thus seeking to protect the driver from a fine and legal proceedings, which the owners of vehicles in which there is a woman without a veil expose themselves to. ” The chauffeurcontinues Mahnaz, replied: “Absolutely not. They can send me whatever they want. You women are paying the price for freedom with your lives. I can pay a fine. It’s not serious.” » Since September 2022, at least 525 civilians have been killed in connection with the protest, unprecedented in its intensity and extent.
“At first I was scared”
In recent months, the morality police, responsible for monitoring the conduct of men and women, has disappeared from Iranian streets and squares. The authorities are trying to suppress the women’s revolt by devious means, in particular by pitting people against each other. More and more hotels, shops and restaurants have been forced to lower the curtain because they have welcomed customers without veils. At the end of February, pharmacies were ordered to oblige their employees to cover their hair with a “maghnaé”, a kind of balaclava, even stricter than the scarf. Iranians outraged by this injunction, have launched a campaign of solidarity with Iranian women by having themselves photographed, sometimes in pharmacies, with a balaclava on their heads.
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