Publication Date
Fall 2025
Abstract
Iranian women’s movements, both pre- and post-Islamic Revolution, have continually adapted to the repressive tactics of those in power to advocate for women’s rights in an authoritarian environment. With the introduction of social media, Iranian feminists have been able to counter political suppression and successfully organize against the regime. In this paper, I analyze how Iranian women’s movements have changed before and after the Islamic Revolution, and how social media has allowed modern women’s movements to succeed amidst state surveillance and political violence at the hands of the regime. I determine that social media has been a crucial factor in the success of modern movements like the Woman, Life, Freedom and Green protests, and that the struggle between Iranian feminists and authoritarian regimes has been ongoing since the 20th century.
Note: This paper was written prior to the Iranian protests emerging in late December of 2025 and is not reflective of their state as of January 2026.
Recommended Citation
Snyder, Emily
(2025)
"Women, Life, and Freedom: The Changing Landscape of Iranian Women’s Movements Before and After the Islamic Revolution,"
Araneum: Richmond Journal of American & Global Affairs: Vol. 3:
Iss.
1, Article 3.
Available at:
https://scholarship.richmond.edu/araneum/vol3/iss1/3