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Iranian Women Post Pics With Their Hair Flying Free To Protest Strict Hijab Laws
Wearing the Islamic hijab veil is mandatory for women in Iran, and in 2014, Iran's morality police warned, fined or arrested 3.6 million women for inappropriate dress. Masih Alinejad, an Iranian journalist and activist living in the U.S., wants to change this, and she's started by inviting Iranian women to send in pictures of themselves enjoying their unveiled hair.
Alinejad makes her points beautifully in an interview with Vox; "My mother wants to wear a scarf. I don't want to wear a scarf. Iran should be for both of us." Read on for more of her story!
More info: Facebook | YoutubeLast year, 3.6 million women in Iran were warned, fined or arrested for not wearing hijabs
Masih Alinejad protested by inviting women to share pics of themselves without their veils
"As a kid, my brother was a symbol of freedom that I didn't have. How he was free to run in a green lovely farm"
"Two women with head scarves, and two women without head scarves. Look at how they are free!"
After she posted her own photos with and without a hijab veil, others followed suite
"Some of the pictures come from young girls saying that they just want to feel the wind in their hair. It's a simple demand"
"My mother wants to wear a scarf. I don't want to wear a scarf. Iran should be for both of us."
Alinejad's Facebook group, My Stealthy Freedom, already has more than 820,000 followers silently protesting Iran's hijab law
Check out this video to learn more about My Stealthy Freedom:
See some of their submissions below!
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
My Stealthy Freedom
MaciekRavs 10 years ago
I see here free beautiful girl with beautiful hair - and I hope that in near future she can be free that way not only for few seconds during taking this picture.
GayleWayland 10 years ago
A beautiful woman should be able, in a suitably modest manner,show her beauty. Some Muslim "authorities" proclaim a woman's beauty (which could be anything, depending on interpretation) a danger to men. What rot. This viewpoint turns men into thoughtless sex robots, and women into enslaved temptresses.
KatherineWilliams 10 years ago
And who decide what is a suitably modest manner? I say the only person who decides that, is the woman making the decision - and if anyone else feels it's immodest, that's their problem. After all, the people who support the required hijab think that covering their hair constitutes a suitably modest manner to show one's beauty.
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TiberiuNitu 10 years ago
It doesn't matter what religion you are, religion always brings some dumb restrictions. i hope one day we could all just see past the religion barriers and just be free.
MirnaTamam 9 years ago
Iam from indonesia,iam muslim and i'm not wearing hijab,and they always keep asking why?...i feel you...sorry for my nad english
ReneLyn 10 years ago
We are pleased with the cause of My Stealthy Freedom, but it has come to our attention that the black and white photo is being used without our knowledge. The author Mr. Robert Lovelle Rooks support the cause and allowed to use his photo but in agreement to be mentioned credit of photo goes to him. His book that is coming out Invasion Of the Most Scared is coming out soon and he will be using his photos. We kindly ask to mention him on this article stating his full name and website http://writerrlr.com when using his photo. We hope for your understand and cooperation on this matter and we look forwards hearing from you. Thank you.
MalakMorgan 10 years ago
Everyone seems to not understand Scarf is worn not for men it is worn for God, It is in Qur'an which is the book of Islam to wear one as a true muslim woman should for GOD only, no woman shold be forced to wear it that goes against Islam, Also it is not more beautiful or free to have your hair out that is down to personal choice I feel more free and liberated from my society values wearing my scarf. I prefer it as people judge too much by the hair and face and Islam proclaims always to look at the heart, Any man that tried to tell me they do not go for a woman for their hair is a liar the first thing a man notices is the hair of a women then the face appeals and why women wear make-up to show up these characteristics for men in western society, freedom is how you see it, I and many western and european muslims see that and why we love our choice to wear scarf. All women need to have a choice in what they wear, freedom is when women are no longer sexualised by men.
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#2
I Hate All The Fake Hijabs, All The Meaningless Believes Cruelly Forced
PeggyWestmoreland 10 years ago
I wonder if the horse feels the same as she does about meaningless blinders being enforced
MalakMorgan 10 years ago
Not beliefs laws, Islam clearly states it is a a womans choice to wear a scarf, I as much as any other muslim woman want women to wear hijab as part of their beleif in the religion not because it is forced that makes them hypocrites and goes against Islam this is why Islam told men to not make rules in its name but come on men have to control women its the only way they feel important and powerful and the Persians have wanted to do that for a long time and many hadith writtern against women have come from them. The true Islam would never false anyone to wear scarf or follow Islam makes us muslims angry what the governements do. Please do not confuse Islam with politics.
MirnaTamam 9 years ago
Iam from indonesia,iam muslim,and iam not wearing hijab too...and i feel you,they always ask why???,sorry for bad english
LisaGreene 10 years ago
Amazing, no one should be forced to do something against their will, full stop.
WilliamHampton 10 years ago
An attractive race of people as a whole. It's a shame to cover & hide such natural beauty just because of the sordid mines of a few old men....
#3
It's Sad That My Pretty Black Hair's Going Grey And It Hasn't Seen The Wind, Sun, Or Rain Yet
WendyAridela 10 years ago
I have greying hair, too - and I've spent my whole life with it blowing in the wind. Reading this, I was so touched - imagining how it would be to NEVER have felt that. Thanks to the Iranian woman who posted this - you have shown me another cause to be grateful for my life!
TammyChapman 10 years ago
This one, although the picture is beautiful, made me cry. It is extremely sad when you can get old enough to have gray hair yet never having the freedom of feeling the wind in it, or the rain or the sun. Breaks my heart.
DanielleKathleen 10 years ago
What a beautiful strong lady, and a wonderful freedom cry. I love this photo so much, I keep coming back to it over and over.
FatiahIstiqomah 9 years ago
Your body hasnt seen the wind, sun and rain yet. Why do you cover your body?
#4
I Like Myself And I Will Fight For A Free Life That Is Rightfully Mine
LeighStovall 10 years ago
I think you are gorgeous, and you should not have to cover your beauty up. If you believe in god, then you also believe that he made you the way he wanted you to look. Why are you covering up God's work? I bet he loves you just as much (maybe more) for standing up for your personal choice!
MichaelAirton 10 years ago
Never give up your struggle. American social anthropologist Margaret Mead once said "Never doubt that a small group of committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." If that's true, imagine the change you and Iran's 45 million other young people can bring about in your country.....
MalakMorgan 10 years ago
Women that wear hijab are also beautiful I agree that women should be able to choose whether to wear it or not as that is what Islam states but beauty is how you feel not in what you wear or if you have your hair flowing out. I feel so liberated in my scarf as here it is seen as the minority and freedom of being judged on my heart not my hair style as western society outs too much empathise on that.
#5
It's An Amazing Feeling When Wind Tangles Your Hair Under The Blue Sky
DanielleKathleen 10 years ago
I am ashamed that I have taken my freedom to wear what I want when I want for granted. I hope you feel the wind in your hair as much as you want to.
GlynisLailann 10 years ago
Ditto. We don't think of these things as 'Freedoms' until it is pointed out to us in the Free World.
Load More Replies... #6
Let’s Remove The Veil
MalakMorgan 10 years ago
Beauty is in the heart not the hair. They should have the right to wear it or not and should be made a law but at the same time most that wear hijab do so as they want too and love it and I am one of them.
#7
Enjoying The Wind Passing Through Our Hair. Something That's So Obviously A Man's Right Is Considered An Illegal Offensive Act For Me And My Sister
JadeLynn 10 years ago
I like how the man they are with is so supportive. Just goes to show you no person is exactly the same as another person.
Muhammad Arif Qureshi 9 years ago
this is not right according to islamic rules and is a sin
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RebeccaHartford 10 years ago
This is beautiful. It makes me sad because so many people take for granted something as simple as being able to feel the wind blow through their hair.
DanielleKathleen 10 years ago
I love that the male is enjoying the moment as much as the women are.
#8
Being Yourself Gives Such Wonderful Pleasure
#9
Let It Go
Cookie 10 years ago
Wow. Why hide all that glorious hair under a cloth? If men get horny, they should cover their own eyes.
PatrickTacchini 10 years ago
All the best for your future - to all of you women ! You are subjects not objects ! Thanks for your courage !
LisaGodtliebsen 10 years ago
I think they would, never finally ive u those haot scarves on tour head. You have all of you have that beautiful black hair. I say go free without it.
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#10
Hoping For The Ultimate Freedom Of Iranian Women
ReneLyn 10 years ago
We are pleased with the cause of My Stealthy Freedom, but it has come to our attention that the black and white photo is being used without our knowledge. The author Mr. Robert Lovelle Rooks support the cause and allowed to use his photo but in agreement to be mentioned credit of photo goes to him. His book that is coming out Invasion Of the Most Scared is coming out soon and he will be using his photos. We kindly ask to mention him on this article stating his full name and website http://writerrlr.com when using his photo. We hope for your understand and cooperation on this matter and we look forwards hearing from you. Thank you.
LisaGodtliebsen 10 years ago
I wish you daD FREEDOM TOO. i feel sorry for the women and girls having to cover that beautirul hair, you look so much more beautiful too.
MalakMorgan 10 years ago
Thats ignorant comment to say you look more beautiful as you show your hair, beauty is in the heart not what your hair style is. No wonder the world is getting worse when people comment that beauty is in what we wear or have on our head.
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#12
Zara
Final score:
56points
LisaGodtliebsen 10 years ago
This wavy beautiful hair and I don't think you would have to cover it, it's a man thing to keep beautiful women covered. So they feel kinda beat down, take away the scarf and show how beautiful you really are. The men must be really insecure.
PaulineJaneBuckley 10 years ago
i cant imagine how these ladies must feel to be kept squashed down like they are not to be free to be themselves. what a total tragedy missing their lives in total subjection to an evil regime . they are BEAUTIFUL LET THEM BE
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What do you think ?
LaylaAli 10 years ago
I saw people bashing these women for losing the essence of the word freedom, and all that nonsense. They should be free to choose what they want to wear, otherwise their government has lost the true meaning of the hijab. You wear it BY CHOICE, when you are ready to do so. I know plenty of women here who wear it and like it, and others who say they feel uncomfortable. It's their choice, it's their bodies, their minds. We do not have the right to pass judgement on anyone; any person of any religion knows this because only God will judge us. It's what's in your heart that matters, not what's on your head. Kindness and humility do not come from dress-codes.
HeatherTerry-Taylor 10 years ago
Layla, you are a very intelligent lady. Your belief should be shared by many! Pro-choice should apply to everything!
Load More Replies...
SusannaVesna 10 years ago
I feel worried about these women- what if they are found and prosecuted. :( On a happier note- whatever women with hijab say, that they wear it by their own choice, i believe it has been imposed on them by men. In fact they were forced and brainwashed by men so much , that now they think they do it out of their own choice. If women have "an option" to cover up, then so should men!!!
NuriyaGabdulhakova 10 years ago
"whatever women with hijab say, that they wear it by their own choice, i believe it has been imposed on them by men. In fact they were forced and brainwashed by men so much , that now they think they do it out of their own choice." emm. I live in Russia. My father and mother and husband and sometimes governs are against my hijab. Many of my friends were oppressed because of hijab. But still it's our choice. For me it's more than a piece of fabric. No matter what they say and what you say (sorry)
Load More Replies...
MaciekRavs 10 years ago
Finally! I can see the truth on mainstream social media page. I FULLY SUPPORT IRANIAN WOMEN! ✌ #mystealthyfreedom
JayakumarNair 10 years ago
These women are truly amazing. What strength. A pity the zealots who rule Iran does not see the strength in their women and assimilate them into their country. How powerful Iran would be with these women unleashed.
MariaJoãoBarata 10 years ago
Choice is freedom. If a woman wants to wear the hijab: cool, go ahead. If she doesn't: cool, go ahead. If she wants to wear it only on certain occasions and leave the hair alone on other days: cool, go ahead. Personaly I believe the only thing that *shouldn't* be worn as "regular wear" is anything that prevents quick recognition (unless it's easy to remove, like sunglasses and hats), and the last three veils fall under that category, because they cover the face :( . But that is just my opinion, and it is anyone's choice what they want and don't want to wear.
RoseanneJames 10 years ago
I think it's terrible that women are forced to conform to some ridiculous rule dictated to them by men! It's one rule for them & another for a woman; a woman who is viewed as a commodity & a second class citizen. i remember walking around the supermarket on a hot summer's day & seeing this couple coming toward me. The woman was wearing a burka & gloves whereas her husband was wearing shorts & a sleeveless shirt! It must have been sweltering & so uncomfortable for this poor woman & I felt so sorry for her. This wasn't even in Iran this was in Wales! So why was she being forced to walk around in what can only be called a tent! It's wrong, wrong, wrong. Women should be free to make their own choices. It's their life, no one else's. But like Susanna I worry about the safety of these women if they fight back.
MirnaTamam 9 years ago
am from indonesia,iam muslim and i'm not wearing hijab,and they always keep asking why?..sorry for my bad english
TammieMcClure 9 years ago
All of these women are absolutely gorgeous. It is a real shame they have to hide their pretty hair under a head scarf but all of them pictured here have such unique faces, beautiful eyes and cheekbones. They are lovely with or without the scarves. Iran was a much freer nation years ago, maybe one day it will see that freedom again.
LaylaAli 10 years ago
I saw people bashing these women for losing the essence of the word freedom, and all that nonsense. They should be free to choose what they want to wear, otherwise their government has lost the true meaning of the hijab. You wear it BY CHOICE, when you are ready to do so. I know plenty of women here who wear it and like it, and others who say they feel uncomfortable. It's their choice, it's their bodies, their minds. We do not have the right to pass judgement on anyone; any person of any religion knows this because only God will judge us. It's what's in your heart that matters, not what's on your head. Kindness and humility do not come from dress-codes.
HeatherTerry-Taylor 10 years ago
Layla, you are a very intelligent lady. Your belief should be shared by many! Pro-choice should apply to everything!
Load More Replies... SusannaVesna 10 years ago
I feel worried about these women- what if they are found and prosecuted. :( On a happier note- whatever women with hijab say, that they wear it by their own choice, i believe it has been imposed on them by men. In fact they were forced and brainwashed by men so much , that now they think they do it out of their own choice. If women have "an option" to cover up, then so should men!!!
NuriyaGabdulhakova 10 years ago
"whatever women with hijab say, that they wear it by their own choice, i believe it has been imposed on them by men. In fact they were forced and brainwashed by men so much , that now they think they do it out of their own choice." emm. I live in Russia. My father and mother and husband and sometimes governs are against my hijab. Many of my friends were oppressed because of hijab. But still it's our choice. For me it's more than a piece of fabric. No matter what they say and what you say (sorry)
Load More Replies... MaciekRavs 10 years ago
Finally! I can see the truth on mainstream social media page. I FULLY SUPPORT IRANIAN WOMEN! ✌ #mystealthyfreedom
JayakumarNair 10 years ago
These women are truly amazing. What strength. A pity the zealots who rule Iran does not see the strength in their women and assimilate them into their country. How powerful Iran would be with these women unleashed.
MariaJoãoBarata 10 years ago
Choice is freedom. If a woman wants to wear the hijab: cool, go ahead. If she doesn't: cool, go ahead. If she wants to wear it only on certain occasions and leave the hair alone on other days: cool, go ahead. Personaly I believe the only thing that *shouldn't* be worn as "regular wear" is anything that prevents quick recognition (unless it's easy to remove, like sunglasses and hats), and the last three veils fall under that category, because they cover the face :( . But that is just my opinion, and it is anyone's choice what they want and don't want to wear.
RoseanneJames 10 years ago
I think it's terrible that women are forced to conform to some ridiculous rule dictated to them by men! It's one rule for them & another for a woman; a woman who is viewed as a commodity & a second class citizen. i remember walking around the supermarket on a hot summer's day & seeing this couple coming toward me. The woman was wearing a burka & gloves whereas her husband was wearing shorts & a sleeveless shirt! It must have been sweltering & so uncomfortable for this poor woman & I felt so sorry for her. This wasn't even in Iran this was in Wales! So why was she being forced to walk around in what can only be called a tent! It's wrong, wrong, wrong. Women should be free to make their own choices. It's their life, no one else's. But like Susanna I worry about the safety of these women if they fight back.
MirnaTamam 9 years ago
am from indonesia,iam muslim and i'm not wearing hijab,and they always keep asking why?..sorry for my bad english
TammieMcClure 9 years ago
All of these women are absolutely gorgeous. It is a real shame they have to hide their pretty hair under a head scarf but all of them pictured here have such unique faces, beautiful eyes and cheekbones. They are lovely with or without the scarves. Iran was a much freer nation years ago, maybe one day it will see that freedom again.
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