Jin Jiyan Azadî

On the 16th of September, 2022, Jina Amini, a young Kurdish woman, was tortured to death in Iran by the so-called ‘morality police’ for not wearing her hijab in accordance with their theocratic laws. Her murder has sparked protests in East Kurdistan (North West Iran) and throughout Iran, with large numbers of people marching on the streets and rising up to demand justice against the clerical system, and women demanding freedom and democracy.

The slogan, Jin, Jiyan, Azadî (Woman, Life, Freedom) has become a popular chant amongst protesters across Iran and the world. It has gained international recognition and has been recited within the European Parliament, displayed in Piccadilly Circus in London and has appeared on Balenciaga’s Instagram - without credit to its radical roots and history of active struggle.

But what exactly is the meaning of the slogan? Where did it come from? And why is it important to recognise its revolutionary Kurdish roots? Joining us in this episode is Dilar Dirik. Dilar is an activist, political sociologist and writer. She is currently researching and teaching at the Refugee Studies Centre at the university of Oxford, and is the author of her new book “The Kurdish Women’s Movement: History, Theory, Practise”.

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