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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.
My Stealthy Freedom
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.
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.
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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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.
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
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.
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.
you women have to stand up and fight for your freedom. it is all about male dominance and control over you women......
Why must women have to hide themselves not to provoke lascive thoughts and desire in men? And Women don'thave thoughts and feelings? How is that mens free doesn'tprovoke in women the same desires? Maybe the iranian lawmakers should learn more science, after all science, medicine are not banned in Coran. the knowledge about how hormones and brain functions should open antidiluvian beliefs and customs to a different and open view about human acts andimpulses.
The Iranian women are very beautiful and I hope soon they have the option of choosing whether or not to to use the veil. It is a choice and not an imposition.
women need to stand up and fight for your freedom. this is all about male dominance and control over women. it's been going on for far too long, and you must make it stop.
I Hate All The Fake Hijabs, All The Meaningless Believes Cruelly Forced
It's Sad That My Pretty Black Hair's Going Grey And It Hasn't Seen The Wind, Sun, Or Rain Yet
I Like Myself And I Will Fight For A Free Life That Is Rightfully Mine
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!
It's An Amazing Feeling When Wind Tangles Your Hair Under The Blue Sky
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.
Let’s Remove The Veil
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
Being Yourself Gives Such Wonderful Pleasure
Let It Go
Hoping For The Ultimate Freedom Of Iranian Women
Zara
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.
Layla, you are a very intelligent lady. Your belief should be shared by many! Pro-choice should apply to everything!
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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!!!
"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)
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Finally! I can see the truth on mainstream social media page. I FULLY SUPPORT IRANIAN WOMEN! ✌ #mystealthyfreedom
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.
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.
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.
am from indonesia,iam muslim and i'm not wearing hijab,and they always keep asking why?..sorry for my bad english
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.
I agree people should have the right to choose, but I do say to all women who take up the Hijab voluntarily in the west that they should reflect that they have a choice but they are condoning a form of control that women in the middle east now have to conform to at risk of death in some cases. This is like a Jewish person voluntarily wearing a yellow Star of David (something that will not happen!) You are demonstrating acceptance of oppression even if you are not oppressed.
I agree people should have the right to choose but I do say to all women who take up the Hijab voluntarily in the west that they should reflect that they have a choice but they are condoning a form of control that women in the middle east now have to conform to at risk of death in some cases. This is like a Jewish person voluntarily wearing a yellow Star of David (something that will not happen!)
All my love,RESPECT,and best wishes to all beautyfull Iranian women.....with and without hijab.
I go to England and everywhere I go, I see muslims and women covered up. I never understood that. Growing up, my parents let me believe it what I wanted to believe. They let me have my own mind. I've always had that. I'm no saint; I'm guilty of taking my life for granted. I couldn't imagine having to cover up all day everyday. I was born an athlete and I don't care who knows it. Unfortunately where I live, it's apparently the victims' fault for being sexually harrassed. So in a way - albeit limited - I know what they are going through. I find it sad to see so many beautiful, smart, talented women being put down and covered up because of their religion or government. What if they were Christian? Or Buddhist? What then? They'll be arrested. Worse, they might be put on the death sentence for not following their country's religion.
These personal freedom Iran an Islamic state should respect the Islamic religion
So, if it is against the law to show your hair if you are a woman in Iran, then how do they advertise hair shampoos and hair colour? In the 'Western World' there is almost always a picture of a woman with incredibly beautiful hair on packaging for hair colour.
My comment is the same for all these pictures: they should be allowed to do what they want to about this.
I hope they have no repercussions from the pictures. Amazing what freedom we take for granted.
Such brave women! This is actually a life-threatening protest for some of them..... Please take care and be safe.....you are changing mountains!
I think the friest Photo isn't true about our society ! this picture is true for 10 years ago , If we Want talk about Hijab in Iran invited from all of you to see our current Hijab : http://akafoto.akairan.com/foto-aka/emrooz/2014124155119.html
Hello I'm zajerart17 (mohamadreza) of teh I see this postgood Thank you my syster freedom for all peoples:)
This is a man's world But it wouldn't be nothing Without a woman or a girl
It is definitely not from choice,, brainwashed is the best word to describe what Muslim men do to their women and threatened with beatings if they don,t comply.
Hijab is supposed be put on your head out of love, out of conviction, out of emotion and knowledge. sorry to see that it has been imposed in a way that people feel oppressed in it, where it was supposed make them feel free instead.
As an atheist I enjoy people using their free will, to bust the oppression of their religion, this is history unfolding in front of us, this is The Renaissance for the Islami world, I just hope I'd go smoother and faster than the western-christian did.
I'm an IRANIAN and really think that, any forces in any social or cultural topics is worse way to resolve it. in fact wearing pattern is not main problem in here, but another so huge problem is that the citizen with a specific wearing pattern (Hijab or withut that or eg) don't tolerance others and in other words, different patterns of Hijab (that is a pretty wearing for muslim women) not accepted by all of the people (such as Turkey or Lebanon). anyway, another problem is UK and some others incitements that makes this inner cultural topic, a political. As usually, UK Gov. is trying to demonstrate this topic in a felony form and make more and more divisions in people for themselves foreign Interests, whereas this is a cultural.
and then she get acid in face! lol god i hate muslims so much will be nice to kill em all f**k coran and allah gaybar i p**s on it with mu got urnine
Only took them 10.000 years. but I thought they are only obliged to wear scarves in public or where there are men watching? Nothing is stopping them to wear them in private. Like when they hike up a hill where there is no one around?
Hijab's only been compulsory since 1979, so no it didn't take them 10 000 years.
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wearing veil does not make women being unfree. and it is for God, not for fulfilling the mandatory from governor. this is misunderstanding. they've totally lost the essence of wearing the veil
why would your god want you to cover up the beautiful creations he made?
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No: down with islami radicalists, they're the one's that make the rest of the bunch look bad.
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This ofc is awful and should stop but some days I feel that it would be nice to cover myself up to hide from the world by my own choice... But it would be also frowned upon:/
oh please. you are so full of it. you fear sex and you do not understand it. let women speak for themselves.
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Forcing women to cover their hair IS a restriction of their freedom. It's not for anyone to decide whose head should or shouldn't be covered. Also forcing women to do something they don't want to do will not make them more pious. Piousness comes from within and from life experiences, not through being compelled by the government/family/anyone.
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It's not a choice when millions of women are being LEGALLY PUNISHED for not wearing one (properly). Don't make false claims and act like you're defending reality. You're ignoring the obvious facts. For a woman, covering up is *NOT* an option, whether they're Muslim or Non-Muslim. That is the way of Shari'ah. If you don't cover yourself, as a woman, you are punished until you SUBMIT.
Load More Replies... 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.
Layla, you are a very intelligent lady. Your belief should be shared by many! Pro-choice should apply to everything!
Load More Replies... 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!!!
"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... Finally! I can see the truth on mainstream social media page. I FULLY SUPPORT IRANIAN WOMEN! ✌ #mystealthyfreedom
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.
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.
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.
am from indonesia,iam muslim and i'm not wearing hijab,and they always keep asking why?..sorry for my bad english
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.
I agree people should have the right to choose, but I do say to all women who take up the Hijab voluntarily in the west that they should reflect that they have a choice but they are condoning a form of control that women in the middle east now have to conform to at risk of death in some cases. This is like a Jewish person voluntarily wearing a yellow Star of David (something that will not happen!) You are demonstrating acceptance of oppression even if you are not oppressed.
I agree people should have the right to choose but I do say to all women who take up the Hijab voluntarily in the west that they should reflect that they have a choice but they are condoning a form of control that women in the middle east now have to conform to at risk of death in some cases. This is like a Jewish person voluntarily wearing a yellow Star of David (something that will not happen!)
All my love,RESPECT,and best wishes to all beautyfull Iranian women.....with and without hijab.
I go to England and everywhere I go, I see muslims and women covered up. I never understood that. Growing up, my parents let me believe it what I wanted to believe. They let me have my own mind. I've always had that. I'm no saint; I'm guilty of taking my life for granted. I couldn't imagine having to cover up all day everyday. I was born an athlete and I don't care who knows it. Unfortunately where I live, it's apparently the victims' fault for being sexually harrassed. So in a way - albeit limited - I know what they are going through. I find it sad to see so many beautiful, smart, talented women being put down and covered up because of their religion or government. What if they were Christian? Or Buddhist? What then? They'll be arrested. Worse, they might be put on the death sentence for not following their country's religion.
These personal freedom Iran an Islamic state should respect the Islamic religion
So, if it is against the law to show your hair if you are a woman in Iran, then how do they advertise hair shampoos and hair colour? In the 'Western World' there is almost always a picture of a woman with incredibly beautiful hair on packaging for hair colour.
My comment is the same for all these pictures: they should be allowed to do what they want to about this.
I hope they have no repercussions from the pictures. Amazing what freedom we take for granted.
Such brave women! This is actually a life-threatening protest for some of them..... Please take care and be safe.....you are changing mountains!
I think the friest Photo isn't true about our society ! this picture is true for 10 years ago , If we Want talk about Hijab in Iran invited from all of you to see our current Hijab : http://akafoto.akairan.com/foto-aka/emrooz/2014124155119.html
Hello I'm zajerart17 (mohamadreza) of teh I see this postgood Thank you my syster freedom for all peoples:)
This is a man's world But it wouldn't be nothing Without a woman or a girl
It is definitely not from choice,, brainwashed is the best word to describe what Muslim men do to their women and threatened with beatings if they don,t comply.
Hijab is supposed be put on your head out of love, out of conviction, out of emotion and knowledge. sorry to see that it has been imposed in a way that people feel oppressed in it, where it was supposed make them feel free instead.
As an atheist I enjoy people using their free will, to bust the oppression of their religion, this is history unfolding in front of us, this is The Renaissance for the Islami world, I just hope I'd go smoother and faster than the western-christian did.
I'm an IRANIAN and really think that, any forces in any social or cultural topics is worse way to resolve it. in fact wearing pattern is not main problem in here, but another so huge problem is that the citizen with a specific wearing pattern (Hijab or withut that or eg) don't tolerance others and in other words, different patterns of Hijab (that is a pretty wearing for muslim women) not accepted by all of the people (such as Turkey or Lebanon). anyway, another problem is UK and some others incitements that makes this inner cultural topic, a political. As usually, UK Gov. is trying to demonstrate this topic in a felony form and make more and more divisions in people for themselves foreign Interests, whereas this is a cultural.
and then she get acid in face! lol god i hate muslims so much will be nice to kill em all f**k coran and allah gaybar i p**s on it with mu got urnine
Only took them 10.000 years. but I thought they are only obliged to wear scarves in public or where there are men watching? Nothing is stopping them to wear them in private. Like when they hike up a hill where there is no one around?
Hijab's only been compulsory since 1979, so no it didn't take them 10 000 years.
Load More Replies... wearing veil does not make women being unfree. and it is for God, not for fulfilling the mandatory from governor. this is misunderstanding. they've totally lost the essence of wearing the veil
why would your god want you to cover up the beautiful creations he made?
Load More Replies... No: down with islami radicalists, they're the one's that make the rest of the bunch look bad.
Load More Replies... This ofc is awful and should stop but some days I feel that it would be nice to cover myself up to hide from the world by my own choice... But it would be also frowned upon:/
oh please. you are so full of it. you fear sex and you do not understand it. let women speak for themselves.
Load More Replies... Forcing women to cover their hair IS a restriction of their freedom. It's not for anyone to decide whose head should or shouldn't be covered. Also forcing women to do something they don't want to do will not make them more pious. Piousness comes from within and from life experiences, not through being compelled by the government/family/anyone.
Load More Replies... It's not a choice when millions of women are being LEGALLY PUNISHED for not wearing one (properly). Don't make false claims and act like you're defending reality. You're ignoring the obvious facts. For a woman, covering up is *NOT* an option, whether they're Muslim or Non-Muslim. That is the way of Shari'ah. If you don't cover yourself, as a woman, you are punished until you SUBMIT.
Load More Replies... 