Welcome to the NCRI Women’s Committee podcast. As always, we are here to amplify the voices of women in Iran and shed light on the struggles they face under the clerical regime. Today, we delve into one of the most horrifying and systemic issues plaguing Iranian women: femicide and honor killings.
To begin, let us remember Ghazaaleh Hodoodi, a 27-year-old mother from Sanandaj, whose life was tragically cut short just last week. This young woman’s story is heartbreaking, and her case is emblematic of the institutionalized violence women endure daily in Iran.
Could you tell us more about Ghazaaleh’s story and what makes her case particularly significant?
Certainly. Ghazaaleh Hodoodi was a resilient young mother raising her 11-year-old daughter, Niyan, as a single parent. She worked as a tailor to support her family after divorcing her husband, who spent most of his life in prison. Tragically, her attacker, Sirvan Sa’edpanah, had harassed her repeatedly after she declined his marriage proposals. On the evening of December 25, he entered her shop with a bottle of gasoline and set her on fire. Despite her desperate attempt to escape and the efforts of her family to save her, Ghazaaleh succumbed to her injuries two days later.
What makes this case even more disturbing is that Sirvan Sa’edpanah is affiliated with the Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), highlighting the impunity that many perpetrators enjoy under the regime. Meanwhile, Ghazaaleh’s daughter, Niyan, is now in the custody of her paternal family, leaving her future uncertain.
This is heartbreaking. Sadly, Ghazaaleh’s case is not an isolated incident. Can you share some insights into the broader context of femicide in Iran?
Absolutely. Under the clerical regime, violence against women is deeply entrenched. Iran ranks as one of the worst countries globally for femicide. Official statistics, although incomplete, reveal alarming trends. For instance, a state-run newspaper disclosed that Iran accounts for approximately 10% of honor killings worldwide. The NCRI Women’s Committee recorded at least 105 honor killings and femicides, each with names and dates, during 2023. And from January until November 20, this year, that is in less than 11 months, we documented 153 cases of femicide.
These figures highlight the disturbing rise in femicides and honor killings in Iran. However, the true numbers are likely much higher, as many cases go unreported due to the regime’s misogynistic policies and lack of transparency.
The evidence shows that state-sponsored crimes and violence against Iranian women outnumber family-related crimes by a significant margin. Iran is the world’s largest executor of women, with most female death row inmates having been victims of child marriage and domestic violence and condemned in unfair, biased trials. The widespread assault and torture in prisons, shooting of women protesters with pellets in the eyes, abuse in prisons and even in public, and the daily brutality of the oppressive forces enforcing compulsory hijab demonstrate that without this regime, the safety of Iranian women would look completely different. How does this broader context impact the fight for women’s safety and rights in Iran?
This broader context underscores the entrenched nature of violence against women in Iran. The regime’s policies and actions are not only oppressive but also create an environment where crimes against women are normalized or ignored. State-sponsored violence often sets the tone for societal violence, making it harder for women to find safety or justice. Addressing these issues requires tackling both the regime’s institutionalized misogyny and the cultural norms it perpetuates.
The legal framework is a significant factor. Iran’s laws not only fail to protect women but often shield perpetrators. For example, Article 630 of the penal code allows a man to kill his wife and her alleged lover if he catches them in the act of adultery. Fathers who murder their daughters are often exempt from severe punishment. Meanwhile, women who defend themselves against abusive spouses are disproportionately sentenced to execution.
It’s devastating to hear this. Beyond legislation, what other institutionalized failures perpetuate this violence?
Yes, with over 40 million women in Iran, there are just 27 shelters for abused women across the entire country, many of which are severely lacking in resources and support. This forces victims to remain in dangerous situations. With a legal marriage age as low as 13, and even younger girls sometimes forced into marriage with judicial approval, the situation is dire.
Furthermore, the Iranian regime’s indifference and misogyny create a culture of impunity, leaving countless women vulnerable to violence. The regime has refused to criminalize violence against women and the so-called bill to protect women against violence has been left sitting on the shelf for 13 years. A shocking fact is that while the regime hands down a 10-year sentence for women who remove their head covering, it only gives 8 years to a man who beheads his wife.
The NCRI Women’s Committee’s special report, Femicide: Unpunished Crimes in Mullahs’ Iran, released on the International Day to Eliminate Violence Against Women, provides a comprehensive overview of this crisis. Could you tell us more about this report?
Of course. The report highlights not only the statistics but also the stories of countless women whose lives have been taken. It underscores the role of institutionalized oppression in fostering this culture of violence. The report is a crucial resource for understanding the scope of the issue and the urgent need for action.
How do the Iranian regime’s misogynistic policies contribute to the widespread violence and abuse faced by women, and what are the devastating consequences for victims across the country?
In Iran, women of all ages—whether children, young women, or the elderly—face constant threats to their safety, both on the streets and at home. If they survive the violence of the regime’s forces, they may still be at risk from family members over issues like suspected dishonor, disagreements, or refusing forced marriages. Sadly, these crimes often happen in front of children, further deepening the trauma and continuing the cycle of violence. Some victims, including pregnant women and mothers with their children, are killed in heartbreaking circumstances.
Before we wrap up, let’s discuss how the international community can support Iranian women and help bring an end to this violence. What steps can be taken?
First, amplifying these stories is essential. The regime thrives on silence and impunity. By raising awareness, we can apply pressure on international bodies to hold the Iranian government accountable. Supporting organizations like the NCRI Women’s Committee ensures that advocacy for women’s rights remains strong. Finally, sustained global attention and solidarity are critical. Iranian women are fighting for their freedom, but they need allies worldwide.
Ghazaaleh’s story, and the stories of so many others, must compel us to act. To our listeners, we urge you to read the NCRI Women’s Committee’s report and share it widely.
Our website is wncri.org. Let us ensure that these women are neither forgotten nor silenced.
That’s all for today’s episode. Thank you for joining us as we shine a light on the plight of women in Iran. Until next time, let us continue to stand in solidarity with the brave women fighting for their rights and dignity.
