'Stealthy Freedom' Captures Iranian Women Posting Without Their Hijabs
Rahul Kalvapalle — May 13, 2014 — Art & Design
References: facebook & theguardian
'Stealthy Freedom' is a Facebook-hosted initiative that encourages Iranian women to take off their hijabs -- which they are required to wear by law -- and share pictures of themselves.
The 'Stealthy Freedom' Facebook page was set up by London-based Iranian journalist Masih Alinejad, who says that she isn't opposed to the hijab but believes that women should have the freedom to choose whether or not to wear one. Thousands of women responded to the initiative by taking off their hijabs in various public places and sharing pictures of themselves enjoying their 'stealthy freedom.'
One particularly bold young woman in Tehran was pictured posing without her hijab in front of a billboard asking women to respect hijab laws. Another woman shared a picture of herself with her daughter on a beach along with the caption, 'We strolled on the rocks and experienced the cool breeze flowing through our hair.'
Such acts of defiance are risky in Iran, where special 'religious police' are deployed to crack down on those not obeying hijab laws and other religious laws.
The 'Stealthy Freedom' Facebook page was set up by London-based Iranian journalist Masih Alinejad, who says that she isn't opposed to the hijab but believes that women should have the freedom to choose whether or not to wear one. Thousands of women responded to the initiative by taking off their hijabs in various public places and sharing pictures of themselves enjoying their 'stealthy freedom.'
One particularly bold young woman in Tehran was pictured posing without her hijab in front of a billboard asking women to respect hijab laws. Another woman shared a picture of herself with her daughter on a beach along with the caption, 'We strolled on the rocks and experienced the cool breeze flowing through our hair.'
Such acts of defiance are risky in Iran, where special 'religious police' are deployed to crack down on those not obeying hijab laws and other religious laws.
Trend Themes
1. Hijab Freedom Movement - The 'Stealthy Freedom' initiative encourages Iranian women to challenge the mandatory hijab laws and express their freedom of choice.
2. Social Media Activism - 'Stealthy Freedom' harnesses the power of social media platforms like Facebook to unite and empower women in their fight against oppressive dress codes.
3. Defying Religious Authority - Women taking off their hijabs and sharing pictures defy religious laws, highlighting a growing trend of people questioning and challenging traditional religious authority.
Industry Implications
1. Digital Activism - The rise of social media movements like 'Stealthy Freedom' presents opportunities for businesses to support and engage with digital activism campaigns for social change.
2. Fashion and Modest Clothing - The hijab freedom movement showcases the demand for innovative and stylish modest clothing options, providing an opportunity for the fashion industry to cater to new niche markets.
3. Surveillance and Privacy Technology - As defiance against oppressive dress codes grows, companies working on surveillance and privacy technology can explore solutions that protect individuals from religious policing and promote personal freedom.
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