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Why Iranians Are Cutting Their Hair for “Woman, Life, Freedom” | Sahar Zand | TED

Filmmaker Sahar Zand vividly explores the ongoing struggle women face at the hands of Iranian morality police — like living as second-class citizens with no right to travel, divorce or wear their hair uncovered — and points to new hope as protests against this unfair treatment continue across the country and around the world. She…

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Filmmaker Sahar Zand vividly explores the ongoing struggle women face at the hands of Iranian morality police — like living as second-class citizens with no right to travel, divorce or wear their hair uncovered — and points to new hope as protests against this unfair treatment continue across the country and around the world. She urges us all to stand in solidarity with the fight for “Woman, Life, Freedom” and shows why hope is so dangerous to authoritarian regimes.

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83 Comments

83 Comments

  1. lohphat

    June 30, 2023 at 10:38 am

    “Religion of Peace”

    Unless you’re a woman.

    Unless Islam exits its Dark Ages and enters its version of the Renaissance, it will be viewed as a backwards path to cultural mediocrity and societal failure.

  2. elara farahmand

    June 30, 2023 at 10:56 am

    🤍🌱

  3. Some Shmuck

    June 30, 2023 at 11:00 am

    Now go to Iran and talk there.

    • Jh5578

      June 30, 2023 at 2:22 pm

      She can’t she’ll be arrested or killed

  4. Sinau Basa Jawa Krama

    June 30, 2023 at 11:01 am

    Islam is rahmatan lil’alamin, Islam is compassion for all living things, I am very grateful to be a Muslim, greetings from Indonesia.♥

  5. Tommy Stevenson

    June 30, 2023 at 11:07 am

    they got the worlds attention yet they failed in overthrowing the government. i was telling Iranians around me from the beginning, who want the government gone, that nothing would happen with the government and the protesting would fail..

  6. Aarav Raj

    June 30, 2023 at 11:11 am

    freedom is birth rights no one has power to take it

  7. Matthew

    June 30, 2023 at 11:20 am

    If you think that Middle East isn’t a backwards barbaric region, just read the comments.

    • Jh5578

      June 30, 2023 at 2:20 pm

      Middle East is a geography not a religion. Islam is a religion and a backwards one.

  8. Michaelx

    June 30, 2023 at 11:21 am

    As a black person who has experienced oppression first-hand and has many Iranian friends, I connected with the struggle when Mahsa Amini died. Unfortunately, I have also encountered some highly educated Iranians who are supportive of the oppressive regime in their country. But we will not be silenced, injustice anywhere is injustice against all.

  9. DogsReignSupreme

    June 30, 2023 at 11:27 am

    Until women can freely wander, they are not free.

  10. July Trombley

    June 30, 2023 at 11:40 am

    I’ve read Marjane Satrapi’s Persepolis but haven’t learned much about what has been going on in modern-day Iran and the same civil rights atrocities take place; this video will be keeping me invested in this issue today; thanks for sharing your voice and empowering others, good luck and you have mine and so many other’s support in the fight for women’s rights

    • Jh5578

      June 30, 2023 at 2:11 pm

      It’s a great comic

  11. Muhammad Anique

    June 30, 2023 at 11:40 am

    May Allah show you and us the right path .

    • Jh5578

      June 30, 2023 at 2:14 pm

      It’s your religion that is being used to dictate the country. Why did you think 9 uear olds have to cover up in the 1st place and are considered women? It’s because the Prophet Muhammad bedded his 9 year old wife Aisha

    • synergy

      June 30, 2023 at 3:09 pm

      Already shown clearly. These iranians just want to do whatever and regret it 24/7

    • Matthew

      June 30, 2023 at 4:46 pm

      You certainly need to be shown the right path

  12. Oxcart

    June 30, 2023 at 12:01 pm

    These peo0le are so brave

  13. man

    June 30, 2023 at 12:04 pm

    Down to all oppressive regimes

  14. ISRAT JAHAN LOPA

    June 30, 2023 at 12:15 pm

    I have been thinking it since my childhood. I was thinking all the time why these restriction? why women can not take breath freely? why i can not feel the fresh air in directly my skin? why my hair can not blow with the wind freely? If women are not safe where men also stays then man are not being human! they are like monstar, or they are monstar! why we can not being human together! As if they are hunter and we can die anytime by them. It feels like being a women is a crime, or born as a girl is totally crime. It feels like I hate my life because its a girl life, its a women life, its not a human life. Thank you, maam. Here I am not alone, now I am feeling my thinking is not wrong. Love from Bangladesh.

  15. ronold cross

    June 30, 2023 at 12:18 pm

    Oppression fall before hope. Once the first candle is lit, the light banishes the darkness.

  16. A L

    June 30, 2023 at 12:57 pm

    Iran was a progressive and liberal country until the Americans installed the Shah. The Shah became one of the most violent and horrendous dictators in Iran’s history, who was then disposed subsequently by the clergy led by the Ayatollah.

    Does she think the lives of the Iranian people will improve with another military intervention? Better to let Iran resolve their own social problems, this clueless woman is preaching to the choir. pure tomfoolery.

  17. Akira

    June 30, 2023 at 1:29 pm

    Dear Satan, please free the Earth from these backwards abrahamic religions. Amen.

  18. Manik Roy

    June 30, 2023 at 1:44 pm

    Let’s provide freedom to the women by producing babies in machines.

  19. Jh5578

    June 30, 2023 at 2:02 pm

    You may think 9 is too young to be a woman, too young to “arouse the men”. But remember the profit Muhammad’s 3rd wife Aisha was 9 when Muhammad consummated. That’s the root of that insanity.

  20. KaknuSF

    June 30, 2023 at 4:31 pm

    You moved me to tears. WOMEN. LIFE. FREEDOM.

  21. Mark Pate

    June 30, 2023 at 4:51 pm

    Long hair entice the Grey’s, Fallen Angel, Djinn and or Demons. Your hair is part of your nervous system and it stands on end when they are near. You cannot see them because your eyes do not see in that spectrum. Also cloaking copper. Like reptiles use copper to change alter their appearance and they wear their pineal gland on the outside.

  22. Rahmat Hafezi

    June 30, 2023 at 5:24 pm

    Ted too becoming too.
    Unbelievable it is all about disinformation about iran. Yes there issues but it is none of this lady’s business, it is people issues and should resolve it with in like here, did without any stupid ladies talking like this.
    You listening to her , why don’t you get up and travel there and see and talk to women for truth and bring people closer for both country.
    For me she is abusing freedom and truth for her own selfishness and her group madness.
    Keep cutting your hair.
    So stupid. Find the Truth for yourself go to the country the culture is what it is , need for education, awareness.

  23. Farzan

    June 30, 2023 at 5:27 pm

    The reason to unfollow Ted talk nonsense forever is right here. Giving speech right to feminism, transgenders, leftists.

    Giving false information to the world.

  24. CobaltBomba

    June 30, 2023 at 6:15 pm

    Go to Iran and free iran country from sneaky Persians, they use religion only to their national benefits!

  25. Bien Nho

    June 30, 2023 at 8:23 pm

    If all Iranian men stand up for their mothers, daughters and wives, the regressions should be gone…😅

  26. Male

    June 30, 2023 at 11:31 pm

    Giving false information to the world

  27. Tom Carroll

    July 1, 2023 at 1:25 am

    Very moving talk – thank you Sahar

  28. wael yahyasson

    July 1, 2023 at 2:14 am

    Better than being naked like fu-kin LGBTQ

  29. Karan Shah

    July 1, 2023 at 2:35 am

    00:00:04 Growing up in Iran
    00:00:28 Restrictions on women
    00:00:56 Childhood memories
    00:01:14 Entering womanhood
    00:01:34 No swimsuits allowed
    00:02:11 Aversion to water
    00:02:48 Danger in the water
    00:03:41 Escape from Iran
    00:04:02 Continued oppression
    00:05:00 Protests and hope
    00:05:37 Brutal crackdown
    00:06:50 Hope for change
    00:08:38 Desperate measures
    00:09:02 Emergence of hope
    00:09:25 Hope spreads in Iran
    00:09:44 Solidarity with the movement
    00:10:41 Gratitude and conclusion
    00:11:49 Applause
    00:11:58 The crackdown is brutal
    00:12:15 Cheers and applause
    00:12:30 We can all play our part
    00:12:35 Sign petitions and protest
    00:12:51 I’ve been speaking to protesters inside Iran
    00:12:58 Stay informed and engaged
    00:13:11 Let them know we see them
    00:13:19 A future where freedom is a reality
    00:13:26 Not just for women, but for everyone
    00:13:30 Not just in Iran, but everywhere
    00:13:32 Cheers and applause

  30. mimosveta

    July 1, 2023 at 3:30 am

    why? I’ll tell you why, cause cia paid them to do so! stop trying to topple governments around the world while your country is collapsing

    Iran is considerably smaller than lamerica, and yet has more highly educated women and women at universities, yet you’re gonna liberate them? They’re doing better than you!

  31. William

    July 1, 2023 at 4:17 am

    Investing in crypto now should be in every wise individuals list, in some months time you’ll be ecstatic with the decision you made today

  32. Huy Khải Phạm

    July 1, 2023 at 6:28 am

    Freedom for women all over the world.

  33. Kian Zmk

    July 1, 2023 at 6:56 am

    She’s a courageous woman 👏👏

  34. Ismail Shaleh

    July 1, 2023 at 7:51 am

    I support the freedom of Iranian women, they deserve more to get more quality of life and of course, they were able to get their rights to “the best way to change their lives for the shining future”.

  35. Tiffy Remembers You

    July 1, 2023 at 8:30 am

    PLEASE SHUT UP ABOUT HOMOSEXUALITY AND WOMEN OF IRAN.

  36. Shannon Nefra

    July 1, 2023 at 10:07 am

    😢 we Western women take our liberties for granted! ❤May God show us the way.

  37. Dean Barber

    July 1, 2023 at 10:12 am

    Why is everyone so afraid to say what’s the cause of all this oppression?? Just say it: ISLAM IS THE CAUSE OF YOUR OPPRESSION. Sharia Law has no place in modern society.

  38. Shahidul Islam

    July 1, 2023 at 10:38 am

    Both the country is referred to are extreme on this issue. One leading to oppression and feeling of being in chain and the other in LGBT, increase in divorce, son and daughter without father or mother.

  39. Мойка Окон

    July 1, 2023 at 11:23 am

    I love freedom

  40. Amirbek Rustamov

    July 1, 2023 at 12:00 pm

    First and foremost,Sorry I was rude or smth like that it is my opinion.
    Secondly,It does not depend on men whether you wear the hijab or not
    You know what? you was born in Islamic Country and wearing the hijab is just one of the priority of women in Islam
    Actually,GOD created us in order to pray to GOD
    You should prey ALLAH in this life,next life of yours can be glamorous maybe in Heaven.
    In Islam,“The woman should not deny her husband sexual pleasure for no genuine reason.” “She should not disobey him in any way except that which runs against the will of Allah”. “She should protect herself from any illicit act as well as protect her husband’s properties in the home”.
    The Quran explicitly states that men and women are equal in the eyes of God. Furthermore, the Quran: forbids female infanticide (practiced in pre-Islamic Arabia and other parts of the world) instructs Muslims to educate daughters as well as sons.
    All in all,Do you prefer temporary life or forever life in Heaven

  41. Hosein Mirnejad

    July 1, 2023 at 1:26 pm

    Wow. Such a miserable person you were just because you could not swim in the sea in front of others. If I were you, I would go to a private part of the sea or pool and solve the lifetime problem! Do you want me to believe they put officers all over the hundreds of kilometers of shoreline to make sure no one enters naked into the sea!? Such a shameful propaganda. Playing like an innocent little girl who has been deprived of everything… Please grow up. Politic, politic and …. politic. Western countries want to force other nations to follow their values and belief. This is about crushing the Iranian society and punishing them for standing against the hegemony of western culture. They use freedom as a weapon to hunt the humanity

  42. Abdul Manan

    July 1, 2023 at 1:28 pm

    Tbh she badly needed a haircut anyways

  43. Arun Vr

    July 1, 2023 at 2:31 pm

    Throw away tribal ideology is the only way . big respect sister❤

  44. Ivan

    July 1, 2023 at 2:33 pm

    All because of the islam which enforces middle age rules

  45. Maciej Molerus

    July 1, 2023 at 4:46 pm

    I find comparison of oppressed women in Iran to accidental killing of drugged and aggressive criminal pretty troubling TBH.

  46. Fatima Faan

    July 1, 2023 at 5:01 pm

    You are not right my sister.muslim women can do and succses under islam.

  47. nn

    July 1, 2023 at 5:56 pm

    1:08

  48. Elisabeth

    July 1, 2023 at 7:35 pm

    The actresses in Hollywood and ALL American newsmedia anchorwomen/pundits from BOTH sides SHOULD shave their heads to raise money and awareness for freedom and equality for women. That’s exactly what they claim they want.

    Shaving their heads and then going to their jobs in front of the camera like men do every day… they’d show mental toughness, equality and sincerity. They’d make money from the ratings going through the roof…

  49. Sona H

    July 1, 2023 at 10:57 pm

    Thank you, for speaking up for us once again. But slogans don’t help us. Most countries, including the US, limit their relations with Iran, which puts pressure on the Iranian people. We can’t work with many European countries or American companies, and we don’t have access to many websites. Other countries don’t have these problems. We need a change in the world’s policy towards Iran. We don’t have anything to do with the statesmen. We’ve grown up with memories of the past and pressures from outside, like sanctions that only affect the Iranian people, not those who live outside of Iran.

  50. MOHAMMAD OMAIR

    July 2, 2023 at 12:28 am

    If you believe in islam and day of judgement then read quran first not so called Occidental culture…..

  51. MOHAMMAD OMAIR

    July 2, 2023 at 12:29 am

    Most freedom country is the saudi Arabia

    • WhAt EvEr

      July 2, 2023 at 9:26 pm

      🤡

  52. hasti saremi rad

    July 2, 2023 at 4:25 am

    we are brave women.
    woman, life, freedom.

  53. binay

    July 2, 2023 at 4:30 am

    Freedom for all the real Persians 🙌 😢 and all the women 🙌 👏 ❤️

  54. Rocco6161

    July 2, 2023 at 8:36 am

    Why no one there give her a hug, while she was crying.

  55. Reza Rafie

    July 2, 2023 at 11:08 am

    As an iranian proud of you. you can be as our iraninan women’s tongue around the world

  56. Rrr

    July 2, 2023 at 11:09 am

    What is this clown doing here

  57. mmrxaaa

    July 2, 2023 at 1:40 pm

    Strong speech but she is kinda implying that only women are oppressed in Islamic republic with “rules made by men” and doesnt mention the main reason of oppression which is Islam.
    we are all suffering from Islamic rulers men and woman alike, look at 8:08 ,most of killed protesters are men.

  58. alrischah

    July 2, 2023 at 1:52 pm

    WOMAN, LIFE, FREEDOM.
    زن، زندگی، آزادی.

  59. alrischah

    July 2, 2023 at 2:13 pm

    To all the foreigners and non-Iranians:
    The Islamic Republic regime is pure (and i emphasise on this term without the slightest exaggeration) Dictatorship. And so it’s power has given arise to many allies from different parts of the world. Resulting in the circulation of many blocks in the news so as to increase ignorance. The NIAC institution, for instance, is a lobby for the Regime in the USA.
    But i encourage you, Please don’t be ignorant about this! The vast cruelty of their crimes amounts to no other! Please take time to find the trustful resources and definitely keep in touch with natives inside of Iran!

  60. Zenobia Wilschutte

    July 2, 2023 at 6:03 pm

    Women. Life. Freedom.

  61. S Valli Rajan

    July 3, 2023 at 2:49 am

    👏👏👏😢 for the women empowerment freedom

  62. Arceus Thomas

    July 3, 2023 at 3:36 am

    PsyOp for the next invasion?

  63. مرتضى رحيم

    July 3, 2023 at 6:36 am

    Freedom to all woman

  64. ندى نمر حرب

    July 3, 2023 at 7:36 am

    مش كل الإسلام كده زى الى فى ايران ده تشيع يعنى خوارج .الإسلام الصح هو السنى زى الى فى مصر و ليبيا و عمان الخ و الإسلام مفرضش الحجاب على الاطفال بالغصب زى ما ايران بتعمل الى فى ايران تشيع مش اسلام و الإسلام وصى بالنساء و النبى قبل موته قال أوصيكم بالقوارير

  65. Muhammadjon Fozilov

    July 3, 2023 at 7:45 am

    To be honest your opinion is true only you and another people who think like you however, there are more and more people who are happy to wear hijab because thier priority is agreeing of Alloh

  66. Naveen 9

    July 3, 2023 at 9:54 am

    Effective communication, well informed decisions and self empowerment is above self harming and victimhood mentality in today’s advanced world specially for youths who get carried away in all types of protests. Do women and men do the same for domestic violence, ethnophobia or unreported assault in workplaces anywhere in the world? Assault on any one out of discrimination is assault.
    Life and freedom is for all humanity and non-discriminatory by design.

  67. Elineide Santos

    July 3, 2023 at 10:46 am

    For a woman, It’s so painful hear from another woman, that she wanted be a man when she grew up. 😥So desperate situation

  68. Tuwan Shamoon Booso

    July 3, 2023 at 11:59 am

    ❤🌏🇱🇰

  69. Trang Hoàng Thu

    July 3, 2023 at 12:37 pm

    Such an awesome, inspiring, and admirable speech. You’re so brave, thoughtful, and I just love the way you expressed emotions and opinions about these hot issues. Always advocate for women’s rights!

  70. MK

    July 3, 2023 at 4:42 pm

    This was amazing 🙌🙌🙌

  71. Cookie monster

    July 3, 2023 at 5:28 pm

    Pray for Iranian women!!! 🤲

  72. Tiên Võ Thị Quỳnh

    July 3, 2023 at 11:26 pm

    goosebump!

  73. Issa

    July 4, 2023 at 6:34 am

    Women Life Freedom!!!!!!

  74. Thoha Ilyas

    July 5, 2023 at 6:49 am

    Sorry that happened. They mustn’t address the restrictive rules against women and literally everybody in the name of Islam. Islam values peace and freedom in positive way, even not just with your friends or family, but also with your “enemies”. Read a story of Muhammad behaving upon Arabs sending hatred against him for instance or learn from Indonesia, the world’s most Muslim population country, and Malaysia. We don’t have that restrictions and we value diversity, even as for Malaysia that clearly states Islam as their official religion.

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