On September 16th, Mahsa Amini was allegedly tortured and killed by police in Iran due to a violation of Iran’s dress code. This sparked uproar from women across the country, standing in solidarity against the patriarchy and the strict regulations of hijabs. 

Following the death of Amini, protests began in Iran, which led to even more fatalities and numerous arrests. Iranian authorities have even restricted internet access and instituted a social media ban. Videos have circulated of Iranian women burning their hijab and cutting their hair as an act of defiance. Protests have still been seen throughout social media, emphasizing the message of women’s rights.

Ever since the early ’80s, Iran has made the hijab mandatory in public, and morality police make sure this is enforced by ensuring female citizens are wearing both a headscarf and loose-fitting clothing. Reasons for arrest can even be from wearing too much makeup. Women express that the burning of headscarves is not a symbol of disrespect to Islam, but rather a fitting symbol of claiming the right of choice.