In the heart of Iran's capital, a quiet but potent rebellion is unfolding. Young women across Tehran are increasingly appearing in public without headscarves, directly challenging the country's compulsory hijab laws and filming their acts of defiance for the world to see.
A Legacy of Protest and a New Crackdown
This bold movement builds on the powerful wave of unrest triggered over three years ago by the death of Mahsa Amini. The 22-year-old Kurdish woman died in custody after being arrested by Iran's so-called "morality police" for an alleged dress code violation. Her killing led to widespread protests, a severe security crackdown, and hundreds of fatalities.
In 2024, the regime doubled down, enacting a stringent new "hijab and chastity" law. Under this legislation, women accused of "promoting nudity" or "unveiling" face draconian punishments. These include fines of up to £12,500, flogging, and prison sentences ranging from five to 15 years for repeat offenders.
The authorities have also mobilised the public, encouraging citizens to become "hijab monitors" through a state-backed platform for reporting violations. In December 2025, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei reaffirmed the law's importance, calling the hijab crucial to preserve women's dignity and restrain "dangerous sexual urges." This speech signalled a renewed enforcement push, leading to arrests, including organisers of a marathon on Kish Island where women ran unveiled.
Defiance in the Parks and Streets
Despite the heightened risks, women in Tehran report a significant shift in public sentiment. In iconic spaces like Laleh Park—a central gathering point for students—and in cafes and on streets, many are choosing to forgo the headscarf. They argue the regime, grappling with a severe water crisis, labour protests, and regional conflict, is using the hijab as a distraction from more pressing failures.
"We never needed Khamenei’s permission, nor do we need it now," says Hoda*, a journalist based in Tehran. "The scenes you are witnessing are because we do not care what he has to say." She believes the government will avoid mass arrests for fear of a repeat of the global backlash following Mahsa Amini's death.
This collective courage is palpable. Golnar*, a visual artist, films instances of young people ignoring police warnings. She acknowledges the fear of being "dragged into a van" but states the strategy is to "push the boundaries collectively, so they can’t break a few of us."
A Movement With No Going Back
The defiance extends beyond simple dress code violations. Shaghayegh*, 22, is part of an all-women motorcycle club that rides weekly, despite women being barred from obtaining bike licences. For her, discarding the hijab entirely is a point of principle. "If I wear a hijab now, I feel I’m undoing all the sacrifices so many Iranians have made. There’s no going back," she asserts.
While viral videos often emerge from Tehran, women in other regions note similar changes. In Shiraz, business owner Leyla* describes an energised city, viewing personal choice in dress as a catalyst for broader bravery. In Kurdistan, student Zerin* notes that while "morality police" presence is lower, the Kurdish community faces broader targeting, and fears hijab enforcement could be used as a pretext for arrests on security charges.
Analysts suggest the regime's capacity for consistent enforcement is limited. Skylar Thompson of Human Rights Activists in Iran notes the "fragile" political and economic climate, where "even a small provocation could trigger new unrest." The images of unveiled women in Tehran's parks and museums, captured in late 2025, stand as a testament to a sustained challenge against one of the Islamic Republic's foundational pillars, proving that the spirit of the 'Woman, Life, Freedom' movement endures.
* Names have been changed to protect identities.
