Sahar Zand: Why Iranians are cutting their hair for "Woman, Life, Freedom"

Why Iranians are cutting their hair for "Woman, Life, Freedom"

Filmmaker Sahar Zand vividly explores the ongoing struggle women face at the hands of Iranian morality police -- like living as second-class citizens with no right to travel, divorce or wear their hair uncovered -- and points to new hope as protests against this unfair treatment continue across the country and around the world. She urges us all to stand in solidarity with the fight for "Woman, Life, Freedom" and shows why hope is so dangerous to authoritarian regimes.

Multimedia reporter, documentary filmmaker

Women in Iran face harsh restrictions, from mandatory hijab laws beginning at age nine to being denied basic rights like travel and divorce. Decades of repression have created a sense of hopelessness, but the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody sparked the largest protests since 1979. As women publicly cut their hair and chant for "Woman, Life, Freedom," hope emerges as a powerful force, even as the regime responds with deadly crackdowns. Solidarity from around the world strengthens the movement and keeps hope alive for lasting change.