Cyberfeminism in Iran

Abstract

Modern Iranian women face completely new challenges in the "Information Age" (Castells). The growing development of information technologies has opened up a wide area for female activists both internationally and regionally. This is the era where they can create a completely new identity through the influence of modern technology with the synthesis of tradition and modernity as a mean of struggle against religious dogmas and defending women’s rights.

The nascent stages of Iranian Cyberfeminism are traceable to the early 2000s, with the inception of women-oriented websites such as "Zanan-e Iran" in 2000 and the establishment of the first feminist website, "Trubun-e Zanan," in 2002 under the auspices of the Women Cultural Centre.

In the history of Iranian cyberfeminism, the most flexible and relaxed period coincides with the presidency of the relatively liberal Hassan Rouhani. However, questions persisted regarding the mobilization and unification of masses online in a country where the Internet and social networks faced periodic, varying levels of censorship to mitigate perceived Western influences. The events surrounding the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022 altered the Iranian socio-political landscape, catalyzing large-scale protests and prompting a reevaluation of cyberfeminist efficacy in the physical realm.

The mass protests of 2022-23 significantly reduced internet censorship in Iran, challenging the conventional notion of cyberfeminism. But as Mehrangiz Kar, the human rights defender and activist, says: “Iran is a paradoxical country. It creates roles under the veil of dictatorship and then suddenly appears on a big stage.”

To conclude, Iran stands out in the Middle East with a rich history of women's movements that have evolved authentically from secular feminism to Islamic feminism and, more recently, cyberfeminism. The Iranian interpretation of cyberfeminism deviates from Western norms, representing a symbolic demand for freedom from compulsory hijab and an assertion of women's equality under Islamic dictatorial rule. The future trajectory of cyberfeminism in Iran and its potential impact remain contingent upon ongoing developments and the dynamic socio-political landscape.