19.12.2025 17:33
A scene that has not been seen in public spaces in Iran for years emerged on Kish Island. Hundreds of women completed the marathon without headscarves, defying the mandatory hijab rules. Images of women running in t-shirts and leggings with their hair uncovered quickly spread on social media, and the race was described by many as "revolutionary."
Hundreds of women in Iran completed a marathon held on Kish Island without wearing headscarves. The participating women ran with their hair down, wearing t-shirts and leggings. These images quickly spread on social media, and the event was described as a "revolution."
Speaking to BBC Global Women, Sara (not her real name) said, "Crossing the finish line felt like a victory against years of restrictions."
EVENT FOLLOWING ANTI-HEADSCARF PROTESTS
The marathon stands out as one of the events organized after the anti-headscarf protests that began in September 2022, following the death of Jina Mahsa Amini while in police custody.
Artemis (not her real name) expressed her feelings as follows:
"I wanted to stop and cry several times during the race because everything felt like a dream. People were cheering for us, there was music... We felt so free."
WOMEN'S RESISTANCE CONTINUES
The Iranian government frequently arrests and fines women who violate the headscarf mandate, shuts down social media accounts, and sends warnings using facial recognition technology. However, women continue to fight despite the restrictions.
Although a rally supporting the mandatory headscarf was held in Tehran before the marathon, the women participating in the race maintained their determination. The event is seen as a symbolic victory in the struggle for women's rights in Iran.