Something big happened in Iran yesterday: thousands of Iranians came together in the streets of Isfahan to protest a string of recent acid attacks on women.
Over the past three weeks, authorities report eight to nine women have been attacked by men in motorcycles who splashed them with acid, blinding and disfiguring some of them.This is no coincidence. According to the New York Times, a new law was passed in Iran that protects those who feel “compelled to correct those who, in their view, do not adhere to Iran’s strict social laws.” So, presumably, the women were attacked for behaviour that was deemed by the men to be immoral.
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani criticized the new law, saying:
“The sacred call to virtue is not the right of a select group of people, a handful taking the moral high ground and acting as guardians. It is upon all Muslims to exhort love, respect for others and human dignity.”
Writer Thomas Erdbrink of the New York Times observes that the President’s criticism suggests that he intends to oppose the law. He adds that the President will likely face opposition from the conservative Parliament and the judiciary which designed and welcomed the law.
I, at least, feel heartened to know that Rouhani has the support of over 2,000 protesters who used their voices to stand up for what's right.
Click here to read Erdbrink'sThousands in Iran Protest Acid Attacks on Women.
Acid attacks are only one form of violence that women face daily. In fact, violence against women and girls is so prevalent that 1 in 3 women will experience it in some shape or form during their lifetime. To learn more read these 16 myths surrounding violence against women.
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