Today in Iran, women and men alike are still fighting for their lives and for the lives of their sisters, mothers, and friends who have suffered constant violence and oppression.
Since the horrific beating and murder of Mahsi Amini, a 22-year-old woman arrested by Iran’s morality police for “wearing her hijab incorrectly”, the fight for women is just beginning.
This week I had the privilege of interviewing Mana Shooshtari, graduating senior here at San Jose State University and Central Valley Regional Chair for Iranian Americans for Democrats of California.
A driving passion and career goal for Shooshtari is to get more Iranian-Americans involved in politics and help the Iranian communities here in California.
Shooshtari explains that in the months since the protests have started, the internet has been disengaged and the government has been furthering violence at peaceful protests.
In this interview, Shooshtari encourages multiple ways that we can assist the people fighting for women’s rights in Iran;
- Help get the word out about what’s happening via social media.
Shooshtari states, “Generally as an activist, I’m not too keen on social media activism, however, this is the first time that the internet is actually having a huge impact”.
- Follow Iranian activists, actors and other individuals that are spreading awareness and helpful information and stay up to date.
“Follow Iranians on your feed and repost their information but of course always beware of disinformation” Shooshtari advises.
The easiest way to spot disinformation is to search other credible sources to see if they are reporting the same information.
Nazanin Nour, 1500tasvir, Tara Grammy, and Maz Jobrani are just a few.
Nour, Grammy and Jobrani are Iranian actors and comedians that are involved and giving up to date information about the crisis.
1500tasvir is the most up-to-date media account that you can follow to see what’s happening in Iran.
Shooshtari always encourages view discretion as these accounts post direct content which can be graphic.
- Lastly, amplify the media to write something and show what’s going on in Iran.
“Put pressure on media outlets to actually respond and cover the protests happening” Shooshtari says is most important of all.
I encourage everyone to reach out to their local news and media outlets and insist that they devote more resources to educate the public about what’s going on in Iran.
The people of Iran have taken a stand against their government’s extremist and conservative regime and they need our support!
If you have more to add about how to help the brave people in Iran or found this article helpful, let us know @HerCampusSJSU!