A 22 year old woman named Mahsa Amini (Jina) was killed by Iranian morality police on September 16, 2022 for improperly wearing her hijab (head covering), as is currently mandatory for all women in Iran. Police attempted to cover this up by claiming she had a heart attack at the station, fell on the floor, and died after two days in a coma. Eyewitnesses and women who were detained with Amini said she was severely beaten by the police officers, which in addition to her leaked medical scans, led independent observers to diagnose cerebral hemorrhage and stroke due to the trauma of her attack. Mahsa’s death resulted in a series of large-scale protests across the country which garnered international attention, including a statement from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, putting a focus on violence against women in Iran.
Several leaders, organizations, and celebrities around the world condemned the incident and expressed solidarity with the protesters. The United States, along with several other countries, imposed sanctions on the morality police and Iranian leaders in various security organizations.
The Government of Iran is attempting to suppress the protests by shutting down access to the internet as they continue to kill citizens in silence, fatally shooting dozens of protesters, deploying tear gas and water cannons, blocking access to many apps including the main social media platforms, and limiting internet accessibility to reduce protesters' ability to organize and share the evidence of these crimes against humanity.
We live in a world today that has the potential to exist beyond oppression, but only if we continue to raise awareness for those whose voices are silenced.
This artwork is meant to embolden the voices of all women fighting their oppressors and unite the world in our fight for peace and equality.
Be the voice of Iranians and women around the world by using #MahsaAmini #مهسا_امينى
All proceeds raised during this auction will go to United For Iran, a non-profit organization working to empower the voices of women and girls in Iran through mobilization, technology, and education.
