Woman, Life, Freedom facts for kids
Woman, Life, Freedom (Kurdish: Jin, Jiyan, Azadî, ژن، ژیان، ئازادی, Persian: زن، زندگی، آزادی) is a powerful slogan. It comes from the Kurdish people. This phrase became a popular rallying cry during the protests in Iran. These protests started in response to the death of Mahsa Amini.
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Where Did "Woman, Life, Freedom" Come From?
The slogan "Woman, Life, Freedom" began with the Kurdish freedom movement. This movement started in the late 1900s. It was first used by Kurdish women who were fighting for their rights. They faced challenges from governments in Iran, Iraq, Turkey, and Syria.
A well-known Kurdish leader, Abdullah Öcalan, helped make the slogan more famous. He used it in his writings about fairness and equality. Since then, many groups, both Kurdish and non-Kurdish, have used this slogan. It was even used by Kurdish fighters who bravely defended the city of Kobani against the Islamic State.
How the Slogan Spread Globally
The slogan "Woman, Life, Freedom" started with Kurdish women fighters. It then became popular in many protests around the world. For example, on November 25, 2015, it was used in events across Europe. These events marked the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
"Woman, Life, Freedom" in Iran
The slogan "Woman, Life, Freedom" became a key part of the protests in Iran. These protests followed the Death of Mahsa Amini in September 2022. People first chanted the slogan at Amini's funeral in Saqqez. Then, it was heard in early protests in Sanandaj.
On September 21, students at the University of Tehran chanted the slogan. Protesters across the country soon joined in. Later, students at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences used it. They also added a new phrase: "Woman, Life, Freedom; Man, Homeland, Prosperity."
As the protests grew, rallies were held in many cities worldwide. People used "Woman, Life, Freedom" and other slogans. The French newspaper Libération even featured an image of Iranian protests with the slogan in Persian and French.
The slogan was also used in the popular song "Baraye" by Shervin Hajipour. He was arrested after his song became famous worldwide. His song "Baraye" was sung in global protests for Iran on October 1, 2022. These protests took place in about 150 cities.
In February 2023, several Iranian groups released a statement. They explained the deep meaning of "Woman, Life, Freedom." They called for an end to unfairness, discrimination, and dictatorship.
See also
In Spanish: Mujer, Vida, Libertad para niños
- UN Commission for the Status of Women
- For Freedoms
- Hendiatris
- Islamic Penal Code
- Vital Voices
- Women in Iran
