Wonder Woman of the Week: Masih Alinejad

Iranian journalist and activist Masih Alinejad in Munich; February 18, 2023

Masih Alinejad is a prominent Iranian journalist, author, and women’s rights activist known for her bold resistance against compulsory hijab laws in Iran. Born in 1976 in the northern province of Gilan, she began her career as a journalist and political writer, often facing government backlash for her outspoken criticism of the regime. After being forced into exile in 2009 due to her reporting, Alinejad continued her activism abroad, using her voice to amplify the stories of Iranian women. Her most influential initiative, the My Stealthy Freedom campaign, launched in 2014, invited Iranian women to share photos of themselves without hijabs as a form of peaceful protest. The campaign quickly gained international attention, highlighting the deep personal cost and courage involved in resisting state-enforced dress codes.

Alinejad’s activism is not just symbolic; it strikes at the heart of state control over individual freedom. She has consistently framed the compulsory hijab as not merely a dress code, but a political tool used to oppress women and suppress dissent. Her social media platforms have become spaces for Iranian women to express themselves, challenge state narratives, and find solidarity. Despite facing threats, smear campaigns, and even attempted abductions linked to the Iranian government, Alinejad continues to speak at global forums, collaborate with human rights organizations, and testify before international bodies about Iran’s human rights abuses. Her work has earned her numerous accolades, including the UN Watch’s Geneva Summit International Women’s Rights Award and recognition from TIME and BBC as one of the world’s most influential people.

At the core of Masih Alinejad’s mission is a belief in the power of visibility and voice. Her activism goes beyond the hijab debate—it is about giving Iranian women the agency to choose for themselves, to participate in public life without fear, and to challenge an authoritarian system that seeks to silence them. Alinejad’s tireless efforts continue to inspire a global audience and galvanize support for Iranian women’s rights. By broadcasting the defiance and bravery of countless Iranian women, she reminds the world that even the most deeply entrenched systems of repression can be confronted through collective courage and resilience. In doing so, Masih Alinejad has become not just a symbol of resistance, but a vital force in the ongoing struggle for freedom and equality in Iran.