Ideas Lessons from the women of Iran's 1979 'stolen' revolution
Mar 5, 2026
Shaheen Nawai, activist who co-founded the National Union of Women; Haidet Aragahi, former literature professor who organised March 8 protests; Minou Jalali, lawyer and activist from the 1978–79 protests. They recount mass street demonstrations, clashes with counter‑protesters, the hijacking of revolutionary hopes by clerical forces, brief openings for independent organizing, and the turn to underground resistance and exile.
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Euphoria When The Shah Fled
- Minou described the euphoric crowd reaction when the Shah fled in January 1979 and the sense they'd achieved a historic goal.
- She said Khomeini's return two weeks later created huge crowds and left many suddenly unsure what would come next.
Revolution Reversed Women's Legal Gains Fast
- Khomeini's early decrees quickly reversed women's legal gains, showing how fast revolutionary promises can shift.
- Minou noted repeals like the family protection law and barring women judges signaled an immediate rollback of rights.
Planned Celebration Turned Into Defiant Street Protest
- Haidet Aragahi organized a planned March 8 celebration at Tehran University that turned into street protests after officials attacked women's marches.
- She recounted climbing gates, confronting thugs, and shouting about the revolution's betrayed meaning.