Iran is currently experiencing its largest civil rights movement since the 1979 revolution. This uprising, sparked by the killing of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini—who died after being detained by the Iranian morality police for being improperly veiled—is proving to be a critical turning point for Iranian women. Since the protests began in September, at least 16,000 have been detained, and hundreds have been killed—including at least 380 protestors and at least 58 children, some as young as eight. 

Helping us to unpack these important issues are two very special guests: 

Dr. Yalda Hamidi is Assistant Professor of Gender and Women's Studies at Minnesota State University, Mankato. She identifies as a feminist pedagogue, mentor, and storyteller. Yalda's research provides a more comprehensive picture of transnational feminism for diasporic communities and explores intersectional identities and feminisms in Iranian women's writing in the diaspora and inside Iran. 

Dr. Parmis Khatibi is a leading expert on mental health and wellness services.  She is a clinical specialist at the University of California, Irvine Medical Center as well as a Clinical Adjunct Professor for the University of California, San Francisco School of Pharmacy and USC School of Pharmacy. She provides mental health and clinical care to the most vulnerable community members suffering from addiction. She is  engaged in solving some of the most pressing issues of our global economy and has served as Chairwoman for the World Affairs Council of Orange County, California.

Check out this episode’s landing page at MsMagazine.com for a full transcript, links to articles referenced in this episode, further reading and ways to take action.

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