In recent weeks, women in Iran have taken to the streets to protest the death of Mahsa Amini and demand their full rights, including the right to bodily autonomy, in response to the increased threats and arrests of women for violating Iran’s strict dress code and compulsory hijab laws.

As an organization pledged to promote justice and universal respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, Zonta International condemns these violations of Iranian women’s human rights and supports the United Nations’ Acting Commissioner for Human Rights Nada Al-Nashif’s statement, condemning the reported unnecessary or disproportionate use of force against protesters, and calling for Iran – as a State party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights – to respect the right to peacefully exercise freedom of expression, assembly and association.

“A threat to the rights of women anywhere is a threat to the rights of women everywhere. We must use our voices to speak up and stand in solidarity with the women in Iran who are courageously and peacefully protesting for their rights despite the risk of violence or arrest,” said Zonta International President Ute Scholz. “Let’s lift up their voices and demonstrate our support in Zonta communities around the world.”

For more than 100 years, Zonta International has supported the rights of women and encouraged their equal participation in society. We stand with all women who endeavor to make this vision a reality.

29 SEPTEMBER 2022